§ 29. Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to overcome the shortage of nurses in North Devon.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyLocal shortages call primarily for local action but my right hon. Friend has recently launched a national publicity campaign to stimulate recruitment. The North Devon Hospital Management Committee is making great efforts to recruit more student and pupil nurses by means of visits and talks to schools, careers exhibitions and addresses at local meetings.
§ Mr. MillsWill the Minister bear in mind that money is probably not the only reason? Will he inquire into the reason there is a shortage in this area? There is not much point in building a new hospital there if there is not an adequate supply of nurses.
§ Dr. DunwoodyI agree that money is not the only reason, although I think that the recent pay award to nurses will help. This is an area where there has been difficulty in recruitment. Our experience elsewhere in the country is that the building of a new hospital will attract nurses. We find that new hospitals often have much less in the way of recruitment problems than some of the older hospitals. I think that the community can look forward to some help when the new hospital is completed.