Nurses from Overseas 2024-01-23
2024-01-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the need for international recruitment to support the NHS workforce.
What steps are being taken to increase the recruitment of qualified nurses from overseas? The national health service would completely collapse without the input and expertise of clinical staff from around the world. High fees for applying for permanent residency are a barrier, with some nurses having to take out loans just to feel welcome in our country. I have presented a private Member's Bill to exempt NHS clinical staff from these high fees.
The Minister acknowledges the contribution of internationally recruited staff. Immigration policy and fees are managed by the Home Secretary, but the long-term workforce plan supports international recruitment. The health and care visa introduced in 2020 and the exemption from the immigration health surcharge for health and care staff have been implemented.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not explicitly commit to supporting the private Member's Bill or working with Home Office colleagues on fees.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the barriers for international recruitment, such as high fees.
I thank the Minister. The NHS would collapse without input and expertise of clinical staff globally. High fees for permanent residency are a barrier; some nurses take out loans just to feel welcome here. I presented a private Member's Bill to exempt NHS clinical staff from these fees. Will the Minister support this Bill?
The Minister acknowledges the contribution of internationally recruited staff. Immigration policy and fees are managed by the Home Secretary, but long-term workforce plan supports international recruitment. Measures like health and care visa introduced in 2020 and exemption from immigration health surcharge for health and care staff have been implemented.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not explicitly commit to supporting the private Member's Bill or working with Home Office colleagues on fees.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP recognises the importance of retaining NHS staff due to workload, mental wellbeing, and cost of living.
Without our fantastic workforce, the NHS would not work. I pay tribute to all hard-working nurses in hospitals and care centres, including at St Thomas' Hospital. In addition to recruitment, do we need a wide-ranging plan addressing workforce planning, pay, training, staff wellbeing and retention?
The Minister agrees with the hon. Lady because this Government introduced a long-term workforce plan for the first time ever. Retention is one of the key pillars, and results are already showing in keeping more staff in our NHS.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy