HC Deb 14 July 1937 vol 326 cc1279-80W
Mr. Kirby

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of hours per week normally worked by the nursing staffs employed in Army hospitals showing, separately, the hours of serving-soldier male nurses and female nurses, respectively?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The number of hours normally worked by the nursing staffs employed in Army hospitals is as follows:

Female Nurses, i.e., members of Queen Alexandra's Imperial Nursing Service:

On day duty, an average of 47 hours a week.

On night duty, an average of 71 hours a week.

Serving-soldier male nurses, i.e., personnel of the Royal Army Medical Corps:

On day duty, an average of 56 hours a week.

On night duty, an average of 65 hours a week.

Night duty is not performed by nurses, male or female, for more than two months consecutively. The total period spent on night duty varies with the size of the staff but averages two months a year. The hours staled are actual hours spent on duty after deduction of time allowed for meals, recreation, etc.