HC Deb 27 January 1958 vol 581 cc23-4W
108. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Health the intake last year into the nursing profession; how many left in the same period; how many of the latter left for reasons other than that of marriage; and what steps are being taken to retain these trained nurses.

Mr. R. Thompson

In the twelve months ended 30th November, 1957, the latest period for which figures are available, about 13,000 persons were admitted to the nursing profession by registration or enrolment with the General Nursing Council. The number of those who gave up nursing in that period on marriage or for other reasons is not known. Employing authorities do what they can to prevent avoidable wastage and by and large the numbers of trained nursing staff in the various services are being maintained.