§ 56. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the shortage of nurses in many mental and other hospitals and of the strain and overwork this involves; what steps are being taken to relieve the shortage, particularly in mental hospitals; and whether special consideration is being given both to the present need and to the necessity of making this service more attractive both now and in post-war years.
§ Mr. WillinkI am aware of the shortage of nurses and of the fact that they sometimes have to work longer hours than are desirable. The staff of mental and other hospitals is under constant review by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour and National Service, who on the advice of his National Advisory Council has taken a number of steps to relieve the shortage, including the granting of high priority. The matters referred to in the last part of the Question are under active consideration by the Departments concerned.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in some hospitals the position is becoming critical, and cannot special attention be given to those hospitals that make representations for extra service?
§ Mr. WillinkThe situation in many fields is acute, but I know from recent and 354 personal experience that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has the question of hospital staffs very much in mind.
§ Mr. SorensenCan we take it that there will shortly be an augmentation of hospital staffs?
§ Mr. WillinkMy hon. Friend hardly gives credit for what has already been done. Figures were given last year, but if I may bring them up to date, they are that since August, 1943, 3,450 women have been placed in employment or training in mental nursing, and 1,200 have been engaged direct.
§ Dr. SummerskillHave the Rushcliffe recommendations been carried into effect in any way?
§ Mr. WillinkI cannot answer that without notice.