§ 44. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Health whether, at hospitals where there are empty beds owing to shortage of staff and a waiting list for hospital treatment, he will take steps to ensure that where staff is available extra finance will be forthcoming to pay them.
§ Mr. PowellI would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to her on 10th December.
§ Dame Irene WardIs the Minister aware that my Question is not the same as the other Question which I put down and to which he directs my attention? Would he be so kind as to tell me, if 865 the circumstances in the present Question arise, whether he will take the action which I suggested in the Question? Will he discuss the matter with the Royal College of Nursing when he sees its representatives on Thursday?
§ Mr. PowellIn answer to the second part of the Question, I gather so. In answer to the first part, cases must be looked at individually, but most regional boards hold a certain reserve which in their discretion they could, if necessary, apply in this way.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonIs the Minister aware that this reserve is smaller this year than it has ever been since the hospital service began? Is he aware that at least one hospital has the staff to open a new ward —I am talking about the St. Helier Hospital, Carshalton—but cannot open it because it has not the money available to pay for the food of the patients who would occupy the ward—according to reports, at any rate?
§ Mr. PowellThe ward to which the reports refer is now open.