§ 53. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Labour if he has considered the report sent to him on the serious shortage of sisters, staff midwives and assistant nurses at the Sunnyside Maternity Hospital, Cheltenham, where all the complicated and emergency maternity cases, amongst others, from Cheltenham and the midland and northern parts of Gloucestershire are treated; and if lie will take steps to provide the urgently needed staff.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsYes, Sir. A number of vacancies for nursing staff at this hospital have recently been filled by our Department which had not been informed that additional staff was required. We have now arranged for a nursing office: to visit the hospital and, subject to the limitations imposed by the continuing general shortage of nursing staffs, for all assistance possible to be given in meeting the hospital's needs.