§ 30. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the shortage of deputy sisters and nurses, amounting to over 120 and 65 domestic staff, at a hospital of which he has been informed; and what action he has taken during the past six months to ensure that the 700 military patients receive proper nursing care, service and attention?
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)I am aware that this hospital, in common with many others, has a shortage of domestic and nursing staff. According to my latest information, there are 893 patients at the hospital, of whom 534 are 354 Service patients; and the staff consists of 348 nurses and 283 domestics. As regards nurses, my hon. Friend is no doubt aware of the measures which are now being taken by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service to improve the recruitment and distribution of nurses, and the needs of this hospital will continue to be borne in mind. As regards domestic staff, I understand from my right hon. Friend that his Department have over the past 15 months made substantial efforts to meet their needs. One hundred and fifty-three submissions of domestic staff of various categories have been made from which 86 placings have resulted. I am assured that these efforts will be continued.
§ Mr. WalkdenWhile I thank the Minister for his very clear statement, will he consider transferring some of the staffs of some voluntary hospitals who do not seem to have as much work to do as they used to have?