Trained Nurses

HC Deb 04 February 1957 vol 564 cc24-5

50. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health the latest available figures of the loss of trained nurses from hospital nursing; and whether he will consider methods of relieving nurses of non-nursing duties.

Mr. Vosper

Complete figures are not available, but a recent sample inquiry undertaken by the Dan Mason Nursing Research Committee suggests that about 40 per cent. of trained nurses leave hospital nursing within 2½ years of qualification. Hospital authorities have been urged to relieve nurses of non-nursing duties by the employment of adequate numbers of domestic and other staff.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Whilst welcoming that Answer, may I ask whether the Minister does not feel that there might be a further follow-up on that recommendation, perhaps in the form of some short school, in which staff nurses and others might have explained how some of their duties might be transferred to non-nursing staff?

Mr. Vosper

I will certainly look at that point. The increase we had hoped for in domestic staff has been disappointing. The hon. Member should realise that many of the nurses who leave do so to marry—about 50 per cent. of those leaving—but an increase of domestic staff would certainly relieve the position.

Mrs. L. Jeger

In view of the understandably high marriage rate among these able and attractive girls, will the Minister not try to encourage the use of more part-time nurses in big hospitals? Is it not a fact that there is a certain amount of resistance on the part of matrons and those running our hospitals, which ought to be broken down, and that they are not always willing to make use of part-time nurses, whereas many married nurses are prepared to make a part-time contribution?

Mr. Vosper

I am sure that there is room for improvement in the employment of part-time nurses. Those full-time nurses who on marriage leave the service may well be induced to come back in a part-time capacity.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will the Minister at least give a guarantee that no financial restriction will be left in the way of employing more domestic and other staff?

Mr. Vosper

I have no reason to suppose that financial restrictions have been the reason for the disappointing response up-to-date.