§ 20. Mr. Walker-Smithasked the Minister of Health, if he is aware that the Three Counties Hospital, Arlesey, Bedfordshire, has been compelled to restrict the admission of female patients owing to the shortage of nursing staff; and what steps he proposes to take to improve this position.
§ Mr. BevanI am aware that the Three Counties Hospital has been compelled to restrict the admission of female patients owing to the shortage of nursing staff. The Ministry of Labour has been asked to give the highest priority to filling the vacancies for nurses, and active consideration is being given to the question whether any other measures can be taken to relieve the situation.
§ Mr. John PatonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rates of pay for student nurses compare very unfavourably with the rates offered in other employment, and, in view of the adverse effect on recruitment that may arise from that, will he make representations to the proper channels to have this matter examined?
§ Mr. BevanThat, of course, is part of a wider question. As my hon. Friend knows, there have been recently a number of revisions in the remuneration of nurses, and that of student nurses is now under consideration.