§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if those nurses convicted of offences against patients at Rampton hospital received their pay after conviction; and, if so, how much that amounted to in each case.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:Nurses charged with offences against patients have been suspended on basic pay. They have not received any of the enhancements of pay which they would normally have expected to earn. Payment to the first nurse convicted was continued until the effective date of the dismissal decision which was taken in his case, 28 February 1982. The payments made to him totalled £7,663. Three other nurses have since been convicted. Formal disciplinary proceedings have been instituted, but they remain suspended on basic pay pending a decision by the Courts on their application for leave to appeal. Up to the end of October, the amounts paid in their cases will total £2,522, £2,190 and £1,947.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a full statement on industrial action currently being taken by members of the Prison Officers' Association at Rampton hospital, the effect it is having on patients, and the steps he is taking to resolve the disputes.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:There has been welcome change in the situation which I set out to the hon. Member on 9 July [Official Report, Vol. 27, c. 240-242]. The industrial action begun in mid-May, involving refusal of escort duties, which had a serious effect on the movement of patients, was discontinued on 13 September for a period of six months. This decision was taken at a general meeting of members of the POA at the hosoital. On the other actions being taken by staff, none of which has had any substantial impact on patients, I have nothing to add to the information which I gave to the hon. Member on 9 July. We will support the local management in their efforts to effect further improvements.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if any of the nurses convicted of offences against patients at Rampton hospital are still employed at the hospital; and, if so, why it was decided not to dismiss them.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke:None of the four nurses concerned is currently employed at the hospital. The position of one nurse, Mr. G. Bowskill, is dealt with in my reply today to the hon. Member's separate question about his current employment. In the cases of the other three convicted nurses, the formal disciplinary action which was instituted immediately following their conviction has been suspended pending a decision by the courts on their application for leave to appeal against conviction. They continue to be suspended from duty.