Context
The MP has worked as a mental health nurse for 22 years and progressed from nurse to head of nursing, highlighting the importance of career advancement within the NHS.
Question
Recruitment and retention of nursing staff across the health and social care sector is key to delivering an NHS that is fit for the future, but the most recent NHS staff workforce survey showed that just 56% of staff felt that the health service acted fairly when it came to career progression. What steps will this Government take to address this issue, and to ensure that our nursing workforce feel valued and feel a sense of purpose in their wider work?
Answer from The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that the issue is key, and that the results are worrying. I know how proud my friends and family members were to become nurses, and what a great career nursing offered them. We have to deliver on the promise of a good career, and build on that pride in being a nurse. We absolutely recognise that we cannot rebuild the NHS without their skills and their high-quality critical and compassionate care.
Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific steps or commitments to address career progression inequalities.
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