§ 10. Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what measures he intends taking to encourage the recruitment of trained post-operative staff in West Yorkshire hospitals.
§ Sir George YoungI refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply to him on 17 July.
§ Mr. SheermanIs it not unsatisfactory for the Government to be so complacent when my constituents, who were taken into Leeds general infirmary for serious heart operations, are kept in a week, and then sent home because there is insufficient nursing care after the operations? Is 1276 it not a disgrace that, at present levels of unemployment, the Government cannot ensure enough nursing care in this situation?
§ Sir George YoungI have looked into the case to which I think the hon. Gentleman referred—that of Mrs. Gorham. I regret that she had to be sent home from the hospital without having the operation. I understand that the consultant concerned has spoken to her recently and that the hospital will be in touch with her next month about a date for readmission. On the broader question, steps are being taken by the area health authority to recruit more nurses to try to avoid a recurrence of that problem.