§ 45. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Health whether he has seen the recommendation of the Newcastle Regional Hospital Board for overcoming the shortage of midwives, particularly in view of the serious position which has arisen at the Preston Hospital, North Shields; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Derek Walker-Smith)I have seen these recommendations and am considering them. The general problem has been studied by the National Consultative Council on the Recruitment of Nurses and Midwives. I expect to receive its report very shortly and shall, in the light of it, consider what action can be taken. I understand that the staffing position at the Preston Hospital has recently improved.
§ Dame Irene WardI thank my right hon. and learned Friend for that answer. Is he aware that there is a shortage of midwives throughout the Newcastle region? If, as has been alleged, a shortage of money and present conditions is the reason why midwives are not attracted into the regional hospital service, would not it be a good idea to foresee this state of affairs and take some action at an early stage, rather than always wait until difficult situations arise?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithIt is not a question of waiting. The National Consultative Council was asked to consider this matter as long ago as last June. Its special subcommittee is now reporting, and I expect to see a report within the next few days.
§ Dr. SummerskillIs it not the fact that most nurses are not prepared to take this long midwifery course and that, therefore, there must be a time-lag before we can overcome this very serious shortage? Will the Minister consider this matter with greater urgency than he has indicated this afternoon he is prepared to do?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithIt is not a question of greater urgency. I regard all these things as urgent matters, but I shall certainly have in mind what the right hon. Lady has said when I am considering the recommendations in the report.
§ 47. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement regarding the shortage of midwives in hospitals and the steps that he proposes to take to overcome the shortage.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThis problem has been studied by the National Consultative Council on the Recruitment of Nurses and Midwives. I expect to receive its report very shortly and shall, in the light of it, consider what action can be taken.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopI appreciate the comments which the Minister has already made on the subject, but can he give an assurance that he will consider this situation not only in relation to a particular hospital, but as it exists over a wide area in the North-East and other parts of the country? Will he not rule out the payment of higher wages, if that is involved?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI will certainly consider this matter in relation to every area where a problem exists. The second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplemen- 604 tary question appears to be based upon an hypothesis and, therefore, it would not be proper for me to reply to it.
Mrs. JegerCannot the Minister try to help by urging upon local authorities the need for the provision of more motor cars for overworked midwives who do domiciliary midwifery? Is he aware that hundreds of these women have to cycle for miles in all sorts of weather to attend to their patients, and that that kind of immediate help would ease the present shortage?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am always sympathetic to the suggestions of the hon. Lady, but she will appreciate that questions relating to the domiciliary service do not arise here, as the Question relates to the shortage of midwives in hospitals.
§ Mr. ShortWould the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind the Press report published today, stating that 100 women in the Easington and Durham area have been told that there are no hospital places for them, and will he look at this specific aspect of the problem in the North-East?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI shall be glad to do so; perhaps the hon. Gentleman will send me particulars.