February 12 2003 - The Government believes that it
is on track to ensure that all NHS staff will have access to a Childcare Co-ordinator who
can help them meet family needs.
The ambitious £70 million childcare strategy has led to 124 co-ordinators
in place across the country so far with another 50 currently being appointed.
They are also committed to providing 150 on-site nurseries with
7,500 subsidised childcare places by 2004. 120 schemes are already open or in the
pipeline, providing 5,200 places.
A new central database has been launched, allowing NHS staff to easily be able to find details
of their local Childcare Co-ordinator.
The database is being launched at the second annual NHS childcare
conference 'Beyond Workplace Nurseries'. The conference has been organised by the Daycare
Trust in association with the NHS. It is seen as a key element in driving forward the
Childcare Strategy. NHS Childcare Co-ordinators are developing local childcare schemes
which provide good quality, affordable and accessible care to meet
the needs of staff; as well as provide advice and support to parents
working in the NHS.
Additionally, many Childcare Co-ordinators are involved in setting
up schemes to provide flexible short notice and emergency cover to address the needs
of doctors - particularly junior doctors. This will create
stability for their children and overcome problems surrounding
waiting lists.
Health Minister John Hutton said, "The NHS Childcare Strategy is a
key element in making the NHS a model employer as well as enabling it
to deliver its priorities over the next three years. The NHS is doing
more to provide childcare support for staff than any other employer
in the country. Such investment will encourage more people to stay in
the health service and more people to come back."
Andrew Foster, NHS Human Resources Director, said, "The challenge of
balancing childcare responsibilities and employment is often a source
of considerable stress for parents. We are committed to improving the
working lives of NHS staff by providing high quality, value-for-money
childcare which meets their diverse needs. We need to ensure that
this message is reaching potential recruits and returners."
The NHS Childcare Strategy is viewed as a key element in improving
the working lives of staff in the NHS and attracting returners. Over 250,000 NHS staff have children
under 14 and it is believed that more nurses and doctors would return to the NHS if they
could get childcare help.