§ 39. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when a new maternity unit will be provided at South Shields General Hospital.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyI understand that the Newcastle Regional Hospital Board, in reviewing its programme, will consider bringing forward this scheme.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs my hon. Friend aware that there is great interest in the initiative shown by his Department in bringing forward this special type of unit? We are eager to get it started and into operation.
§ Dr. DunwoodyI realise that the community in South Shields is eager to have the unit functioning. There are, however, many other problems for which the Newcastle Regional Hospital Board is responsible. The question of priorities in its region is best resolved by the board.
§ 40. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is being taken to overcome the shortage of nurses and other staff at South Shields General Hospital.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyThe shortages in recent months have been mainly of nursing staff. The management committee has arranged visits to schools and careers conventions as well as Press advertisement, and following a new intake of student nurses on 1st May the total number of staff in post is now less than five below establishment.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIn view of local publicity, would my hon. Friend give an absolute assurance that no kind of financial restriction is involved?
§ Dr. DunwoodyThere is no question of financial restriction. There has been a problem about recruitment, but the hospital management committee has gone quite a long way towards solving its difficulties.