§ 41. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health whether he has ascertained, or will ascertain, from public hospitals when and where there is acute understaffing, with a view to relief being secured from other hospitals, including military hospitals where there is temporary overstating.
§ Mr. WillinkYes, Sir. This is my regular practice and that of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, with whom my Department works in close collaboration on these matters.
§ Mr. SorensenCould the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether many nurses have been transferred from military hospitals to civil hospitals? Is he aware that nursing staffs in many hospitals are breaking down under the strain, and that some wards have had to be closed?
§ Mr. WillinkWe all know there is a serious shortage of nurses and domestic staffs, but with regard to the point put to me, we have for some time had arrangements for the transfer on loan of both nurses and medical officers from the medical services of the Armed Forces.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the Minister say how many?
§ Mr. WillinkNo, Sir.