(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that student nurses are being deprived of training which is necessary under EEC directives because of major financial cutbacks or curtailments by his Department; if he will take steps as a matter of urgency to remedy the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Training of Nurses.
15.
I am not aware that student nurses are being deprived of necessary training in the circumstances outlined by the Deputy.
An Bord Altranais have made modifications to their syllabus for general training in order to give effect to EEC directives concerning training of general nurses. My Department have recently written to the health boards and voluntary hospitals concerned with training requesting confirmation that they are taking the steps necessary to meet the requirements of the board's training programme. The position will be further examined in the light of the replies received.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is it not a fact that some of the training hospitals were not in a position to give the training prescribed by EEC directives and that the training was then modified? However some of the larger hospitals in this city are not even now in a position to give the modified training in obstetrics and community care as well as lectures and theory. The Minister was informed of this and that some of the nurses in training since July 1979 will now come out of training without the necessary qualifications or experience to entitle them to registration. Is it not true that the Minister has been told about that on several occasions and that the major curtailment in finance is the direct cause of it?
An Bord Altranais worked out a revised syllabus which is being discussed with the hospitals with a view to putting it into operation. I would make it clear to the Deputy that the standards of training and registration of our nurses are up to the highest level. This additional syllabus, which will bring a wider base in training, is being discussed with a view to implementation.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister or his Department not aware that some of the largest hospitals in this city have complained to him several times recently that they cannot give the nurses the required practical training, lectures and theory to entitle them to register and that the matter is getting progressively worse and very serious for nurses who are in training since July 1979? This is not imagination on my part, but I do not want to drag the names of hospitals into it. It is a solid fact and it is a disgrace.
The present training is not out of line with EEC requirements but it is our objective to bring in this further course and that is currently being implemented in discussions with the hospitals.
(Interruptions.)
It means, as far as the hospitals are concerned, considering what additional staff will be required to implement it.
Question No. 16.
(Interruptions.)
It is a matter for discussion with the individual hospitals.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Will the Minister assure these nurses that on completion of their training they will be registered?
I see no problem in relation to the registration of nurses on completion of their training.
(Interruptions.)