§ Mr. Hobdenasked the Minister of Health what study he has made of the particulars sent to him by the hon. Member for Brighton, Kemptown, concerning the position of three trainee nurses following the submission of a petition calling for less night duty; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SnowI have studied the newspaper report my hon. Friend sent to my right hon. Friend. It is inaccurate in several details. The three-year contracts of the three students nurses in question had expired. Two now have temporary posts at another hospital in the Brighton and Lewes Group and have been promised staff nurse appointments if their 67W examination results are satisfactory. I understand that the third student nurse is seeking a post outside the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Hobdenasked the Minister of Health what is the amount of night duty performed each year by trainee nurses during their course of training at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton; and how this compares with other hospitals in the area.
§ Mr. SnowSixteen weeks. This will be reduced to 12 weeks as soon as staffing conditions permit. In the other hospitals in the Brighton and Lewes Group the period is 12 weeks.