Unvalidated figures for 1999 indicate a steady position in both Harrogate and Northallerton with an increase in both head count and whole-time equivalents of qualified nurses in York. The figures have fallen in Harrogate due to the completion of the new Harrogate District Hospital and the closure of Harrogate General Hospital. All three trusts are provided with pre-registration nurse education by the University of York. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten. Due to rounding totals may not equal the sum of component parts.
Figures exclude learners and agency staff.
The new Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, David Byrne, presented the Commission's fourth report on health protection in other Community policies and his ideas on the future Community public health strategy. This information was welcomed by Ministers and a Council Resolution on health protection in other Community policies was then adopted. The Commissioner reported on the adoption by the Commission of a proposed directive on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products, which includes changes to the labelling and tar content of tobacco products. Commission reports on progress achieved in relation to public health protection from the harmful effects of tobacco and on developments on the negotiations taking place on the World Health Organisation's tobacco framework convention were presented. Following an open debate on the general policy of reduction of tobacco consumption, Council Conclusions were adopted on combating tobacco consumption.