§ 41. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that Bracebridge Mental Hospital has 345 female patients with only 18 nurses for all duties night and day, of whom five have resigned, three are married and two are over age; that these nurses work from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. six days a week; that in a ward of 96 bedridden and epileptic patients only two nurses are on duty; that, because there is a possibility of the whole staff resigning and a complete breakdown of the hospital, the committee disclaim responsibility for the present position; and what steps he will take as a matter of urgency to provide adequate staff.
§ Mr. BevanYes, Sir; I am aware of the serious shortage of nurses at this Hospital. The Ministry of Labour are making special efforts to provide staff, and senior officers of that Department and of the Board of232W Control are visiting the Hospital today in order to confer with the Committee.