Menston Mental Hospital

HC Deb 12 December 1955 vol 547 cc129-30W

76. Miss Bacon

asked the Minister of Health how many nurses have left Menston Mental Hospital during this year.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Seventy-seven, but as 64 were recruited in the period the net reduction in nursing staff is 13.

77. Miss Bacon

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that male nurses at Menston Hospital are being asked to work their day off to enable the hospital to be staffed; and if he will give an assurance that they are adequately compensated for this.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Yes, though not on every day off. All extra hours worked are paid for in accordance with the national conditions of service.

78. Miss Bacon

asked the Minister of Health if, in order to attract more nurses from such cities as Leeds and Bradford to Menston, he will agree to pay travelling expenses.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I will, of course, look at any proposal the management committee may make. But it has not so far suggested to me that additional nurses could be recruited by this exceptional means.