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Article 2 of the Convention. National policy concerning nursing services and personnel. The Committee notes the detailed information and attached documents provided by the Government. It notes, in particular, the latest National Health Plan, 2006–08, which outlines, with respect to human resources in the health sector, the reform of nursing education and continuous professional training. It also notes the Government’s indication that the new National Health Plan is based on the premise that the progressive ageing of the population will radically change the demand for goods and services in the health sector and will influence the health professions with the consequent need for more nurses and general practitioners. The National Health Plan continues to strengthen the decentralized structures of the health services while recognizing the fundamental central role of the Ministry of Health. The Committee understands that Italy faces a serious problem of shortage of qualified nurses and this is reflected in recent migration laws which explicitly maintain open entry for nurses and carers for older people. It would be grateful if the Government would continue providing documented information on the implementation of the current National Health Plan, including any specific programmes, initiatives or other activities carried out or planned in the field of education and training of nursing personnel, and the improvement of their employment and working conditions (especially as regards the reorganization of the nursing workforce and professional structure, workload and stress, instability and precarious contractual conditions, career prospects, labour shortage, remuneration levels, etc.). It would also appreciate receiving a copy of the next National Health Plan, 2009–11, once adopted.

Articles 3 and 4. Nursing education and training. The Committee notes the documents provided by the Government, such as the Agreement of 13 March 2003 concerning the objectives and programmes of continuous training or the Agreement of 16 December 2004 concerning the recognition of the university degrees obtained under the previous education system. It requests the Government to continue keeping the Office informed of the progress made in the ongoing reform of the system of education and training of the nursing personnel.

Articles 5 and 6. Collective bargaining in the health-care sector. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the latest national collective agreement for National Health Service (NHS) personnel was signed on 10 April 2008 and applies to all NHS personnel with an indefinite or fixed-term contract of employment, excluding directors. It would be grateful if the Government would continue providing information concerning collective bargaining in the health sector, and in particular, any specific benefits or standards referring to education, training, or employment and working conditions of nursing personnel.

Article 7. Occupational safety and health of nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a single act on occupational safety and health (Legislative Decree No. 81 of 9 April 2008) was adopted, which integrates Legislative Decree No. 626 of 24 September 1994 on workers’ safety and health. It also notes the various guidelines issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention (ISPESL) concerning specific risks to nursing staff working in units, such as units using ionizing radiation, first aid units and maternity units. While recognizing the Government’s efforts made in the field of general occupational safety and health, the Committee requests the Government to indicate any specific measures taken or envisaged in order to improve existing laws and regulations on occupational safety and health in view of the particular risks and hazards to which the nursing profession is exposed.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes that, according to the statistical information provided by the Government, in 2006, there were 265,444 nurses employed in the NHS (64,045 men and 201,399 women). It also notes the number of students who graduated from nursing schools in 2007, as well as the number of nursing personnel by region. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue supplying up to date information concerning the application of the Convention in practice.