§ Mr. Gregoryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about the nursing staffing situation at Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport; and what action he is taking to re-open wards recently closed owing to staff shortages.
§ Mr. CrossmanIn terms of whole time equivalents the nursing establishment of this hospital is 454.75 and the staff in post is 400. Everything possible is being done by the hospital management committee to improve the recruitment of nurses to the hospital including local advertising aimed at attracting nurses back on full or part time.
It is proposed to establish a pupil nurse training school at this hospital in the near future and this is expected to improve recruitment.
The closed wards will be reopened as soon as staffing permits.