HC Deb 23 October 1952 vol 505 cc1248-9
9. Mr. Edward Davies

asked the Minister of Health how much accommodation is out of use at mental hospitals owing to lack of nursing staff.

Mr. Iain Macleod

On 1st January, 1952, the number of unstaffed beds was 1,748.

10. Mr. Edward Davies

asked the Minister of Health what is the present shortage of nursing staff, male and female, respectively, in the mental hospitals; how these figures compare with those for 1951; and what special steps are being taken to overtake the shortage.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The present shortage is estimated at about 3,500 men and 7,700 women. A year ago it was estimated at about 3,000 men and 8,000 women. The problem is being closely studied by my Mental Health Advisory Committee.

Mr. Davies

Is not this problem of under-staffing and inadequate accommodation a very old one, without apportioning blame in the matter? Is it not a question which concerns every section of the nation and one in which greater expenditure and more service from the community will have to be forthcoming? Can we do anything to attract still more young people to this vital service?

Mr. Macleod

The recommendations of my Mental Health Advisory Committee, may, I think, help. There is a particular recommendation for increased pay at the moment before the Whitley Council, and I understand that agreement has been reached on that matter. I hope that will help.

Miss Bacon

Would the Minister agree that one of the great contributory factors in the present state of the mental hospitals is that many old people are there who ought not to be in mental hospitals at all? Is he further aware that in the Menston Hospital, which I visited recently, there were 112 patients sleeping in one ward, and that over 500 patients in the hospital are over 65 years of age, many of them bedridden and not requiring any mental attention at all?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, there is a great deal of truth in that, but beyond question the best solution is a large and expanding housing programme, and that is receiving attention.

Mr. Beswick

Could the Minister give any idea of the percentage of the total need which these shortages represent?

Mr. Macleod

I had better have notice of that question, which is complicated by an alteration a few months ago in the standards of bedding.

HOSPITALS IN DURHAM COUNTY AREA PERFORMING TONSILS AND ADENOIDS OPERATIONS
Hospital Waiting list of children Period of waiting
Under school age Of school age Shortest Longest
Gateshead Children's 85 224 Immediate 7 months
Wickham Cottage 14 15 Immediate 5 weeks
South Shields General 73 212 1 week 2½ years
Inghan Infirmary 31 89 15 days 14 months
Jarrow Palmer Memorial 35 87 3 days 2½ years
Haiden Law, Lanchester 69 438 Immediate 1½ years
Sunderland General 104 315 Immediate 4 months
Hartlepools General 64 176 1 week 7 months
Sedgefield General 50 150 Immediate 18 months
Durham County 33 210 Immediate 15 months
Darlington Memorial Hunden Unit 45 140 Immediate 8 weeks
11 Hospitals 603 2,056 — —

I am informed that since the beginning of the National Health Service the ear, nose and throat beds in the area have been doubled and the medical staff in this specialty considerably increased. The regional hospital board propose to provide