§ Mr. James Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many hospitals in Lanarkshire are short of nurses; what arrangements are being made to fill the vacancies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellA particular shortage has been reported at Bellshill Maternity Hospital and the Western Regional Hospital Board has authorised the employment of agency nurses there as a temporary measure. In addition to normal recruitment activities a special Hospital Careers Exhibition has recently 355W been held in Airdrie. Between 31st March, 1970, and 31st March, 1971, the nursing strength in Lanarkshire hospitals rose from 3,145 to 3,347.