HC Deb 24 November 1926 vol 200 cc400-1
53. Miss LAWRENCE

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the hours per week and the length of shift worked by the nurses and sick attendants at the West Ham Central Infirmary at the present time, and the hours and shifts worked prior to the establishment of the present appointed board of guardians?

Sir K. WOOD

Prior to the appointment of the present Board the hours worked by these off[...]rs were 48 a week: they are now 56. Attendants in. the observation wards continue to work 48 hours a week. The daily shifts for nurses were 10 hours and have not been changed. For sick attendants the shifts were eight hours without a break and are now 10 hours, but under the present system the longest: time worked without a break is 4½ hours.

Miss LAWRENCE

Es the hon. Gentleman aware that tills institution is the one where the cancer and venereal cases are present?

Sir K. WOOD

That may be so, but there is no evidence that any of these people suffered.

Miss LAWRENCE

Is it within the recollection of the Minister that a deputation from the General Workers' Union and the Union of Municipal Employés waited upon the Minister and urged the importance of short hours for those engaged in nursing such cases?

Sir K. WOOD

That may very well be so, but it makes no difference to the answer I have given.

Dr. VERNON DAVIES

How do the hours worked by the nurses at West Ham Central Infirmary compare with the hours worked by nurses in Voluntary general hospitals?

Sir K. WOOD

These hours are the same as in a great many other hospitals up and down the country.

Mr. MACLEAN

Does that justify it as being a reasonable time for these people to work?