Vol. 524 No. 6
213 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if, due to the national shortage in nurses, he will have investigations made into the use of theatre technicians who are health professionals who were trained in technical colleges and who specialise in the technical aspects of nursing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23581/00]
In accordance with a recommendation of the commission on nursing, a working group on the effective use of the professional skills of nurses and midwives has been established. This working group is composed of representatives of my Department, health service employers and nursing unions. Part of its remit involves examining opportunities for the increased use of care assistants and other non-nursing personnel in the performance of non-nursing tasks. The working group held its first meeting in May and is proceeding with its deliberations.
