Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Government is taking to incentivise nurses to undertake training within a primary care context.

The Government supports General Practice nurses (GPNs) through programmes designed to incentivise training in primary care. NHS England commissioned and offered the CARE Programme to all of the 42 integrated care boards to run it at least once. This programme offers health and well-being support, leadership development and population health management education and training to nurses and other staff in general practice. Through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, NHS England also fully reimburse trainee nursing associates and nursing associates and reimburse training time to become a nurse for the latter.

Health Education England (HEE) also provide support for employers who wish to take on a trainee nursing associate, £8,000 over the two year training, £4,000 per year. Additionally, HEE are in the process of commissioning a module that will be available nationally that aims to provide support to those looking for their first role in primary care and general practice, helping them to develop skills and gain knowledge.