Multi-million pound package to train nurses

Chancellor Sajid Javid is expected to announce a new multi-million pound package of support to train and retain the nurses the NHS needs as part of the Spending Round.

The increase to national training budgets for frontline health professionals across the NHS, reported to be worth £210 million, is part of the government’s commitment to improving patient care and securing a sustainable future for the NHS through the Long Term Plan. This includes funding for a £1,000 personal development budget for every nurse, midwife and allied health professional to support their personal learning and development needs over three years.

In addition to the personal development budgets provided centrally by government for this year, employers will also be expected to provide additional funding locally to invest in their staff.

Nurses are required to undertake at least 35 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) every three years to remain registered and demonstrate that they practise safety and effectively. Many nurses and other health professionals working in the NHS are currently expected to fund at least part of their learning to meet regulators’ requirements themselves and there is variation in the amount of training that is able to be undertaken during working hours.

Javid said: “This is a Spending Round to support and celebrate our public services, getting cash to those on the frontline, including delivering on our promises to the NHS. Our nurses, midwives and other dedicated NHS professionals care for us when we need it most, so it’s right that we support them to develop rewarding and fulfilling careers, and continue to deliver the highest standards of care for patients.”

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, said: “I love the NHS. I want to send a crystal-clear message that once you choose to join the NHS family, we will look after you from day one and help you develop the knowledge, skills and training you need to do the job you love for life.

“We must start by looking after the nurses, midwives and other dedicated health professionals we have already got, so they choose to stay and pursue a lifelong career within our brilliant NHS. Ultimately it’s patients that will benefit from this, with even more motivated and highly trained staff providing the high-quality care they rightly expect.”