§ 44. Dr. CHAPPLEasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that hospitals under the Metropolitan Asylums Board have had to turn patients away because of the dearth of nurses and that difficulty has been found by many Poor Law guardians in securing 2218 nurses; and, if so, can he say what steps he proposes to take to increase the supply or to attract the best class of women to the profession?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Burns)The Metropolitan Asylums Board were, I understood, apprehensive that they might have to restrict the admission of certain classes of infectious cases owing to the difficulty in obtaining nurses, but I am glad to learn that it is now hoped that no such limitation will be necessary. The shortage of nurses which is, I believe, being generally experienced is due to causes that are beyond my control.
§ Dr. CHAPPLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in those countries where they have established State administration of nurses it has had the effect of raising the status and dignity of the profession and attracting the best type of women?
§ Mr. BURNSI cannot believe that either registration or classification is a testimony as to character or fitness.
§ Mr. GLYN-JONESIf a dearth of nurses exists, is it not likely to be increased by the sanatoria set up under the Insurance Act, and will the right hon. Gentleman take such steps as are open to him to deal with it?
§ Mr. BURNSThe temporary dearth of nurses is due to the National Insurance Act, the demand for nurses in sanatoria, and the large increase in the number of nursing homes and similar institutions. I am very glad to say that the deficiency is being supplied.
§ Dr. CHAPPLEIs not the object of registration to guarantee a certain amount of training?