§ Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieuasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to improve the nursing staff position at Storthes Hall Hospital, Kirkburton, near Huddersfield.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI have been asked to reply. In addition to the normal steps taken by my nursing appointments offices for the recruitment of nurses, an intensive local recruitment campaign was held in Huddersfield for the Storthes Hall Hospital last year.
This hospital is at a disadvantage, so far as local recruitment is concerned, because of its isolated position and, to meet this difficulty, a special scheme for providing free or assisted travel for staff living at a distance has been authorised by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. As the hon. Member will be aware, a number of measures are being taken by my right hon. Friend which it is hoped will have a beneficial effect on recruitment for mental hospitals.