§ 47. Sir B. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated number of nurses required to keep the major National Health Service hospitals of the United Kingdom in working condition; how many wards have had to be closed because of the present shortage of nurses; and whether he will undertake a campaign to secure the recruitment of young women for this work.
§ Mr. CrossmanThere is no generally accepted basis for estimating the numbers required, but there is general agreement that at least the present total numbers are needed to maintain present levels of work, and more for improving and developing the hospital service. Existing staff also need to be deployed more effectively. No information is collected centrally about temporary closure of wards for lack of staff or other reasons. Local recruitment campaigns are considered 157W the most effective; my Department is conducting a general publicity campaign in support of local action.