§ 120. Mr. Slaterasked the Minister of Health how many mental hospitals are working with depleted staffs, both male and female; and what steps are being taken to ease the position.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodOf the 294 mental hospitals and mental deficiency institutions in the National Health Service 235 reported shortages of nursing staff at 30th September last. 162 were short of male 201W staff and 220 of female staff. The question is being closely studied by my Mental Health Advisory Committee, and I hope to be able shortly to take measures designed to relieve the situation.
§ Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement in view of the widespread concern at the suggestion by his Department to regional hospital boards for reducing hospital staff levels and the changed policy in the recruitment of nurses.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am anxious that all proper economy should be observed in staffing the hospitals, and am considering what further guidance I should give on this subject to employing boards and committees. As regards the recruitment of nurses, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his other Question on today's Order Paper.
§ Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health what changes he proposes to make following the notification from the Dartford Hospital Management Committee that to adhere to the terms of his Department's memorandum in respect to the recruitment of nurses would inevitably and rapidly close the hospitals in this important group.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI have informed the hospital management committee that advertisements for student nurses need not be confined to the local papers of their immediate neighbourhood.