Written Answers to Questions - Northern Ireland Assembly

Friday 20 July 2012 Written Answers
Mr Poots: The removal of the one-off book and uniform allowance for Nursing and Midwifery students,
is proposed in the Consultation on the Review of HSC Student Bursary Schemes. The proposals
presented in the review are aimed at beginning to harmonise the support arrangements provided
across the health and social care professions. The book and uniform allowance is not provided to any
other health and social care students.
The decision on the possible removal of this allowance will be taken following completion of the
consultation on 2nd August.
Nursing and Midwifery students continue to receive support throughout their training by provision of a
non means tested, non repayable bursary, and the potential availability of a range of other allowances
such as Disabled Students’ Allowance and Dependants’ Allowance, based on their individual
circumstances.
Nursing and Midwifery Students
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action his
Department intends to take to financially support nursing and midwifery students in terms of bursaries
and allowances, given the current economic pressures on students.
(AQW 13629/11-15)
Mr Poots: My Department provides all nursing and midwifery students with a non means-tested, non
repayable bursary, and funds the entire cost of tuition fees to the university. In addition, nursing and
midwifery students can apply for additional allowances such as Parental Learning Allowance, Disability
Allowance, and contribution to childcare costs, subject to individual circumstances and attendant
eligibility.
My Department is currently consulting on proposals for a modest reduction in the nursing bursary,
and removal of the book and uniform allowance, provided only to nursing and midwifery students. This
is a first step in harmonisation of DHSSPS-funded student support provided across the healthcare
professions. If this reduction is introduced, all nursing and midwifery students will remain entitled
to a non means tested bursary of £5165 per annum and there will be no change to the additional
allowances available subject to eligibility. Staffing Arrangements at the Patient Client Council, Omagh
Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the staffing
arrangements at the Patient Client Council, Omagh, following the recent retirement of staff.
(AQW 13649/11-15)
Mr Poots: The staffing complement in the Patient and client Council’s (PCC) Omagh office is currently
four. Prior to the retirement of two members of staff, one Administrative Officer and one Patient and
Client Support Officer, the PCC put in place temporary arrangements to ensure continuity of service
for people in the Western Area. This included the recruitment of a temporary member of staff to assist
with personal and public involvement work in the Western area, and for all calls to the Omagh office
being answered centrally by PCC.
The Patient and Client Council is undergoing a review of its organisational structure and it is planned
changes to its structures will be implemented in 2013.
Consultant’s Post at an Acute Hospital
Mr Campbell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the minimum
required notification to be given to a medical consultant, from outside the United Kingdom, to attend an
interview for a consultant’s post at an acute hospital.
(AQW 13660/11-15)
Mr Poots: Consultants are appointed to health and social care organisations in accordance with the
Health and Personal Social Services Appointment of Consultants Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996.
The accompanying guidance to the regulations provides useful advice to employers when making
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