To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will extend the state registration period for NHS staff beyond one year to allow NHS staff from overseas to obtain work permits valid for over a year. Registration periods for health professionals are a matter for the relevant regulatory bodies. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment informs me that work permits are issued for the length of the contract of employment, up to a maximum of five years. Separate fees are not therefore payable but some staff are employed for additional sessions to enable them to cover duties associated with training.
General practitioners receive a trainers grant where they undertake training responsibilities.
We are working with key stakeholders to support trainers for all health professionals. Employers arrange locum cover where they feel it is necessary. Ward Environment Budgets were introduced on 1 October last year. The budgets can be spent on whatever the ward sisters and charge nurses that manage the ward consider will best enhance and humanise patient care or improve the working lives of staff. All wards can have a budget.