Claybury and Goodmayes (Staff)

HC Deb 05 December 1966 vol 737 cc938-9

32. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement about staff shortages in hospitals with special reference to ancillary workers in Claybury and Goodmayes.

Mr. K. Robinson

Ease of recruitment varies in different regions and for different grades of staff, but I am informed that the two hospitals mentioned by the hon. Member have no difficulty at present in obtaining ancillary staff.

Mr. Iremonger

Is the Minister aware that there was serious threat of a strike at Claybury Hospital not so long ago and that the main difficulty was shortage of staff because of unattractive rates of pay? Will he ensure that when the freeze is ended the Confederation of Health Service Employees' claim is considered by the staff side?

Mr. Robinson

It looks as if my information is a little later than the hon. Gentleman's. I think that there were difficulties earlier, but they appear to be overcome now. The pay of ancillary staff is at present being examined by the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

Perhaps my right hon. Friend's attention has been drawn to the fact that the weekend before last Queen Mary's Hospital, Stratford, had to close its operating theatre through lack of staff. As this is due to the poor wages and salaries received, cannot my right hon. Friend do something to ensure that these wages and salaries are increased before the freeze ends?

Mr. Robinson

As I have just told the hon. Member for Ilford, North (Mr. Iremonger), the question of pay is at present before the National Board for Prices and Incomes. If my hon. Friend wants a reply about the hospital he mentioned, perhaps he would table a Question.

Mr. Braine

Is it true that shortage of staff at particular hospitals is due to poor pay and conditions, or is it due, rather, to the fact that budgetary considerations make it impossible for hospitals to increase their staff, even though staff are available for recruitment?

Mr. Robinson

No. In so far as there are local shortages, there may be more than one explanation, but in the two hospitals mentioned in the Question these difficulties have been overcome.