§ Mr. George Gardinerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the cost to the health service of the employment by City and Hackney Health District of a social secretary to serve its nursing staff.
§ Mr. MoyleNo cost is incurred to the Health Service; funds for this position ar provided by the Special Trustees of St. Bartholomew's Hospital.
§ Mr. George Gardinerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many health authorities employ social secretaries to serve their nursing staffs; where there are approved salary scales for secretaries; and whether such appointments are encouraged by his Department.
259W
§ Mr. DeakinsI am not aware of any specific appointments by health authorities of social secretaries paid from Exchequer funds and there is no recognised grade for such posts in the NHS. Personnel, welfare and home warden staff may, as a small part of their duties, arrange social occasions for resident and non-resident staff. The arrangements made by health authorities for staff welfare are a matter for local discretion; it may be particularly appropriate to use trust funds for such purposes, at the discretion of their trustees.