Written question asked by Lord Lansley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 18 March 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 March 2009. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Monday, 23 March 2009 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Health Centres: Nurses

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of general practitioner practice nurses that will be needed to staff new general practitioner-led health centres.

Answer: The precise skill mix is best determined locally by the primary care trust and the appointed local contractors and will depend on the range of services commissioned at the centre. Our guidance to the national health service suggested a general practitioner (GP)-led health centre might have nine practice nurses, and three GPs to reflect the extended hours and walk-in appointments which will predominantly be dealt with by nurses. However there should always be a GP available at all times able to see patients, where appropriate.

Secondary information