St. David's Hospital, Cardiff

HC Deb 26 July 1951 vol 491 cc85-6W

87. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Health the reason for the discontinuance at the St. David's Hospital, Cardiff, of the custom of issuing to male nurses a navy blue uniform suit every year.

Mr. Blenkinsop

It is for hospital management committees to decide about the uniform of their nurses, and this Committee decided that for male nurses the navy blue uniform should be discontinued and should be replaced by washable coats to be renewed when required.

88. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a deduction of ls. 11d. a week is made from the pay of male nurses at the St. David's Hospital, Cardiff, to cover the cost of the washing of their overalls; and whether he will state the date on which these deductions were first made.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Yes. This deduction represents the annual charge of £5 which the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council have agreed should be paid by hospital nurses for the use and laundering of uniform. Deductions were first made on 1st February, 1949.