HC Deb 13 May 1948 vol 450 cc2274-5
48. Mr. Stubbs

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the Fulbourn Mental Hospital, Cambridge, are short of staff on the female side; that the number of nurses to run the hospital properly should he 75 female nurses; that the present staff is made up of 32 permanent staff, plus 33 temporary who equal about 16 full time nurses; and what steps he is taking to help the hospital.

Mr. Isaacs

The position is substantially as stated by my hon. Friend. The vacancies at the hospital have been brought to the notice of all Nursing Appointments Offices and the Ministry's Liaison Office in Dublin. The general shortage of nurses and the reluctance of many persons to enter mental nursing increase the difficulties, but my officers will continue to do their utmost to help the hospital.

Mr. Stubbs

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I raised this matter last December, when I was told that it was being given attention at a high level with a view to improvement? Is he aware that the position is now worse? How can the 1,000 or more people in this institution get the attention to which they are entitled if there is no staff to look after them?

Mr. Isaacs

The position is not worse than it was when my hon. Friend asked his previous Question.

Mr. Stubbs

It is in this institution.

Mr. Isaacs

The number of full-time nurses is the same, and the number of part-time nurses has increased from 15 to 28. I admit that that is not a very acceptable increase. We are finding people very reluctant to go into mental nursing. We have the European Volunteer Workers to come in, and we are considering a special arrangement with the Austrian authorities in an effort to get persons who are willing and capable of doing this work.

Mr. Wilson Harris

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the word "Cambridge" in this Question should be "Cambridgeshire"? There is no need for mental hospitals in Cambridge?