§ 25. Mr. Deanasked the Secretary of Slate for Social Services what progress he has made in his consultations with 27 representatives of the profession on improving working conditions throughout the National Health Service.
§ Mr. CrossmanAs regards doctors, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friends the Members for Dorking (Sir G. Sinclair) and Liverpool, Garston (Mr. Fortescue) on 27th January. As regards nurses, I have consulted the profession and hospital authorities on particular recommendations in Report No. 60 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes and am considering their replies. In addition, particular aspects relating to the improvement of working conditions or conditions of service of staff affecting all the professions are continuously considered by the appropriate negotiating machinery.—[Vol. 776, c. 916–18.]
§ Mr. DeanHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the recent disturbing Press reports about working conditions in casualty departments and in hospitals generally? What policy proposals does he have to overcome the great strain which these conditions put on doctors and nurses and patients?
§ Mr. CrossmanI have observed the reports and I have seen for myself at first hand that such conditions are by no means unusual. The cure, of course, is to spend money sufficient to improve the conditions, particularly in casualty stations.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyWill my right hon. Friend look urgently into the problems being faced by junior resident hospital doctors, in particular their working hours, the lack of supervision and instruction by consultants, and the virtual absence of married quarters in many hospitals?
§ Mr. CrossmanI am very much aware of this and also of the criticism of the career structure. I was glad to note that the Kindersley Report recommended proportionately larger increases for younger junior doctors.