§ 40. Mr. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the 1067 shortage of nurses in sanatoria in Scotland; and what steps he proposes to take to overcome this shortage.
§ Mr. BuchananYes, Sir:. To help to meet the shortage tuberculosis nursing continues to be accorded the highest priority. The Government hope that following the recent statement on the staffing of hospitals and the improvement in rates of pay for nurses which will come into operation early next year, many more persons will enter the nursing profession. In the meantime, all practicable means will continue to be used to increase the nursing staffs of tuberculosis institutions.
§ Mr. CookIs the Minister aware that the rates at present in operation in this sphere of work are not sufficiently attractive in the widest sense to encourage people to enter this profession?
§ Mr. BuchananAs my hon. Friend knows, a Committee presided over by Mr. John Wheatley recently reported. We accepted immediately every one of the recommendations and, indeed, on one suggested an improvement. We hope that these increases, which are fairly good, will attract nurses. May I add, however, that I wish wages were the only problem in nursing, but I am afraid there are deeper social problems involved.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Under-Secretary aware that there is a tendency on the part of nurses to refrain from going to sanatoria because of the fear of infection? Would he make it clear that every possible step is taken to ensure that nurses going into these sanatoria will be fully protected against any danger that may arise?
§ Mr. BuchananI have no hesitation in giving my hon. Friend the assurance for which he asks.