§ 75. Mr. Nicholsonasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to avoid a complete breakdown at Brookwood Mental Hospital owing to the grave shortage of staff.
§ Mr. BevanActive steps are being taken, in co-operation with the Ministry of Labour, to relieve the nursing situation at Brookwood Mental Hospital by the appointment of ward orderlies and by recruitment of additional nursing staff. The matter is receiving special attention from the Regional Hospital Board's officers and I am advised that there is no question of a breakdown in the service.
§ 76. Mr. Nicholsonasked the Minister of Health if he will give the number of female patients and female nurses at Brookwood Mental Hospital; and state how far the number of female nurses falls short of establishment.
§ Mr. BevanThe number of female patients is 704; the number of nursing staff, apart from ward orderlies, is 79. The normal establishment for the hospital is 174 nurses but at present 500 beds are not in use.