HC Deb 25 July 1946 vol 426 c43W
86. Mr. Harrison

asked the Minister of Health in view of the urgent need for the recruitment of female nurses, if he will arrange for the employment of girls who leave school at the age of 16 years and who intend taking up nursing as a career, in hospitals on work that would not be too severe a strain either mentally or physically, but would enable them to study for the preliminary examinations and accustom them to the life of their chosen profession.

Mr. Bevan

Many hospitals already employ girls of this age on work away from the wards. This is useful preparation for a nursing career, though there are, of course, other suitable occupations, outside the hospital, in which valuable experience may also be gained. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Education is encouraging the establishment of more part-time pre-nursing courses for girls who are in employment.