§ 23. Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she has yet reviewed the effect of her circular on agency nurses and the NHS; and if she will make a statement about its effect.
§ Mrs. CastleI shall review the arrangements when I have received the detailed reports I requested from health authorities. I am glad to say that the implementation of the circular is proceeding smoothly.
§ Mr. TaylorIs the right hon. Lady aware that her circular is causing a great deal of concern in areas in which it is believed that some hospital units will be forced to close or cut down their intake if this policy goes ahead? Is she further aware that in Glasgow a statement has been made by the health authorities that two units face closure as a result of the new policy? Therefore, is there not a case for an urgent review of particular cases of difficulty?
§ Mrs. CastleIn respect of England, I have no evidence of any of the developments feared by the hon. Gentleman. Of course, I am watching the situation. There is no evidence of the kind of closure to which the hon. Gentleman refers. If he has in mind any specific incidents in Glasgow, I suggest that he puts them to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Mr. MolloyIs my right hon. Friend aware that those who have chosen the National Health Service as their career—I refer to members of associations such as COHSE—believe that the Secretary of State's policy is on correct lines?
§ Mrs. CastleI am grateful to my hon. Friend. He is right, Those who have dedicated their nursing lives to the National Health Service appreciate that, above all, the patient wants continuity of care and familiar faces round him. He also requires regular access to a familiar and stable nursing team.