§ 20. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Health what is his policy regarding the employment of trained staff in dialysis departments in National Health Service hospitals; whether salary scales have been fixed; which negotiating machinery applies and whether it is administered by the matron or by the hospital secretary; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe departments are staffed by doctors, nurses and supporting technical and ancillary staff. The salaries of nurses are those negotiated by the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council and I have determined salaries for the technical and ancillary staffs not at present covered by Whitley agreements. The staff attached to these units work under medical direction.
§ Mr. PavittIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is an area of uncertainty over the responsibility of qualified nursing staff concerned with these duties? Will he look at this in view of the heavy work and responsibilities which these staff are carrying.
§ Mr. RobinsonI should be glad to look at any problem raised by my hon. Friend.
§ Dr. WinstanleyWith reference to technical staff, will the Minister bear in 23 mind that this work involves very considerable hazards to health and that it has resulted in a number of disasters? Will he bear this in mind when establishing the pay of these technical staff as against that of other technical staff?
§ Mr. RobinsonYes, I am aware of that, and I think these considerations have been borne in mind in fixing these salaries.