The NHS has launched a massive e-learning scheme for all
staff in Scotland, to improve skills and turnover rates.
The NHS Learning Bank will provide access to both
traditional and online learning through a network of training centres.
There are currently 20 of these centres based in and around
hospitals and they are linked to the national network of Learndirect Scotland.
The aim is to expand the scheme so that there is one in
every NHS board area, which it is hoped will enable all 137,000 staff to gain
access.
Three thousand personal learning credits of £150 each will
also be provided to help unqualified staff access work-related learning and
gain SVQs.
A helpline has been set up for all staff to get advice on
the opportunities available to them through the Learndirect national database
of 70,000 courses. It offers reductions of up to 80 per cent on courses.
Health minister Susan Deacon, who launched the e-learning
scheme last week, said, "We know that we must continue to take steps to
improve recruitment and retention both now and for the future.
"Opportunities in training and education are a key part
of that. Many members of staff want to do more for the NHS and for their own
development.
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"A better qualified NHS is a more motivated NHS and one
which can provide better patient care. An NHS that works together and learns
together is also more likely to stay together," Deacon added.
