§ 28. Colonel Viscount Suirdaleasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the maternity ward at the Kettering General Hospital is shortly to be closed on account of shortage of staff, and; owing to the shortage of maternity beds in this area, what steps he proposes to take to prevent the closing of this ward.
§ Mr. WillinkThe general shortage of midwives makes it necessary to use to the fullest advantage all that are available. A small unit of seven beds, such as that at Kettering, does not secure the most effective use of staff. Nevertheless, my officers, in co-operation with those of the Ministry of Labour and National Service, have made special efforts to keep the ward open. I understand that sufficient staff has now been secured for this purpose.