§ Mr. Gregoryasked the Minister of Health, if he will make an inquiry into the circumstances leading up to the resignation in March 1968 of Miss Marion Smith, matron of the Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonI understand that various complaints made by the Matron during her two years employment at this hospital were considered and dealt with by the Hospital Management Committee at the time, and that she made no further complaints to them when she gave notice of resignation in March nor since then. I see no need for further inquiries.
§ Mr. Gregoryasked the Minister of Health, what steps he is taking to improve the accommodation facilities for resident nurses and student nurses at the Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonAdditional accommodation for 51 nurses and midwives is at present under construction in association with the new maternity unit. Further accommodation for another 30 nurses is planned in conjunction with the proposed new psychiatric and psycho-geriatric units.
§ Mr. Gregoryasked the Minister of Health, what representations he has received from nursing organisations and representative bodies concerning the health, welfare and well-being of the nursing staff at the Stepping Hill 137W Hospital, Stockport; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonI have received no such representations.
§ Mr. Gregoryasked the Minister of Health, if he is satisfied with arrangements made by the Stockport and Buxton Hospital Management Committee to provide and maintain adequate nursing service;; at the Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonI have no reason to believe that the nursing services are inadequate. Since 31st March, 1965, the number of nursing staff has increased by 38.
§ Mr. Gregoryasked the Minister of Health if he will give the nursing staff/ patient ratio for the Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, as compared with other hospitals in the area served by the Stockport and Buxton Hospital Management Committee, and also for the whole of the Manchester Regional area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonFigures of the ratios of nurses to beds at 31st March, 1968, are as follows:
Between 31st March, 1965, and 30th September, 1967, the total nursing staff in the Stockport and Buxton Group of Hospitals increased by 231 (24 per cent).