§ Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in which health districts in London it is the practice to employ auxiliary nurses, not necessarily registered or enrolled, to assist district nurses and health visitors; and what full-time equivalent number of such auxiliaries are employed for this purpose in each health district.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe present agreements of the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council do not provide for the use of the Nursing Auxiliary grade in the community. The council is, however, considering extending the use of the grade since it is aware that a number of authorities are employing staff on unqualified nursing duties both in support of district nurses and health visitors and elsewhere in the community. The Department is currently seeking information from regions on the numbers of staff undertaking unqualified nursing duties. I will write to my hon. Friend when this is available.