HC Deb 30 May 1946 vol 423 cc1352-3
74. Osborne

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the medical superintendent of the county infirmary, Louth, is unable to take further responsibility for the proper treatment of patients because the hospital is understaffed; that a petition has been signed by all he sisters against the long hours they are having to work and there is a danger of admissions having to be restricted; and what can he do immediately to relieve the position.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Key)

My right hon. Friend knows this hospital is understaffed, and that it has been necessary to close 40 beds. The main need is for more trained nurses, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and my right hon. Friend are doing everything they can to help; but, as the hon. Member is aware, there is a shortage of nurses throughout the country.

Mr. Osborne

Is the lion. Gentleman aware that many small county hospitals feel that they are not getting a fair share of the new nurses who are coming forward, as compared with the large hospitals in the cities? Will he look after the interests of the smaller hospitals?

Mr. Key

A recruiting campaign for student nurses, covering the Louth area, is about to be launched.

84. Mr. Leslie

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that much of the shortage of nursing staffs in hospitals is due to lack of accommodation for them, many hospitals having lost nurses' homes through enemy action; that billeting accommodation is becoming more difficult to obtain because of the return of members of His Majesty's forces; and if, in view of his published New Deal for Nurses, he will consider giving some priority for the erection of nurses' homes.

Mr. Key

My right hon. Friend is aware that shortage of accommodation is in some cases increasing the difficulty of hospital authorities in obtaining adequate nursing staffs. The erection of new nurses' homes is seriously handicapped by the present shortage of building labour and materials and the demands of housing, but my right hon. Friend is prepared to consider what can be done in any case of special urgency.

Mr. Leslie

While we can all understand that houses for the people should have priority, would my right hon. Friend not agree that the care of the sick and disabled should also have priority, because if the nurses cannot get homes we shall not get the nurses?

Mr. Key

Yes, Sir, and as I have said we shall be prepared to give special consideration to special cases of urgent need on that account.

Mr. Bossom

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if bricks are in short supply?

Mr. Key

That is another question.