HC Deb 22 June 1944 vol 401 cc325-6
7. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that nurses in many hospitals are working continuous hours of duty and are liable to break down in health owing to the strain, especially with the younger nurses and war-time recruits; and whether, in the interest of patients and staff, he will consult with the Minister of Labour to arrange that permission shall be given to women who desire to undertake or to transfer to nursing; and what other action he proposes to take to secure nurses necessary to the ever-increasing need.

Mr. Willink

I am aware that the strain imposed upon nurses working in hospitals is, in many cases, severe. While the shortage of nurses has hitherto prevented many hospital authorities from reducing working hours to the level generally considered to be desirable, there has recently been a substantial improvement in the staffing position, and I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, with whom I am in close and constant touch, that 3,200 more nurses were employed in hospitals and similar institutions on 36th April, 1944, than at 1st January, 1944. As regards the second part of the Question, the general position is that nursing work enjoys the highest possible priority, and any girl who desires to become a nurse, with so few exceptions as to be negligible, is given permission to enter upon nursing work. Women with previous nursing experience now employed in non-nursing work are also freely released in order to return to the profession. In reply to the last part of the Question, steps are taken to bring information about nursing to the notice of suitable women, and the importance of nursing and the need for additional nurses is impressed upon such women. The need for nurses is also made known through various channels, both generally and to schoolgirls in particular. If my hon. Friend desires to make additional suggestions, I shall be glad to consider them.

Mr. Sorensen

Does my right hon. and learned Friend appreciate that it is false economy to try to work nurses long hours, as they merely break down? Could he not consider, even more carefully, how he is going to get more nurses in future?

Mr. Willink

I doubt whether it could be considered more carefully than it has been considered by my right hon. Friend and myself in recent weeks; but we shall continue to do our best.