Flu response will draft in students
- Published: 26 November 2007 11:39
- Author: Steve Ford
- More by this Author
- Last Updated: 29 August 2008 18:19
The government is seeking changes to the law to allow the emergency registration of final-year nursing students in the event of a flu pandemic.
The government is seeking changes to the law to allow the emergency registration of final-year nursing students in the event of pandemic flu.
The proposal is part of a consultation document on workforce guidance to help PCTs cope with a potential global outbreak. It also reveals that the NMC is considering how best to utilise the students' skills in such a situation.
Additionally, provision is being made to enable retired nurses to re-enter the register at such a time (NT News, 18 September, p2). The consultation is part of an updated national framework on pandemic flu, which includes plans to give all nurses surgical masks and respirators.
Lindsey Davies, national director for pandemic flu preparedness, said: 'There will be a high involvement of nurses and it's right these things should be considered well ahead.'
