§ 17. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the shortage of nurses in Scotland; and what is being done to improve the status and training of nurses and to make that career more attractive to suitable women.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Westwood)I am aware of the shortage of nurses in Scotland. The status and training of nurses will have to be reviewed in the light of the report which the Minister of Health and I expect to receive soon from the Working Party on Recruitment and Training of Nurses. The attractions of nursing as a career have been much improved recently as a result of the Scottish Nurses Salaries Committee's recommendations on remuneration and conditions of service, and employing authorities are fully alive to the need for improving working conditions, especially as regards hours of duty and residential accommodation. They are handicapped, however, by building and other difficulties.
§ Mr. HughesIs my right non. Friend aware that this necessary service is threatened with chaos through overwork of existing staffs, and general depletion owing to bad conditions? Will he expedite the steps he is taking to improve the standards of living and pay?
§ Mr. WestwoodI am not aware that it is threatened with chaos, but there is need for improvements with a view to getting further recruits.