§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) why he changed the hours of duty for staff at Rampton Special Hospital; and what estimate he has made of the extra staff required and their cost;
(2) what consultations he held with the Prison Officers' Association before he changed the hours of duty for staff at Rampton Special Hospital;
(3) what assessment he made of the effect of his change in the hours of duty for staff at Rampton Special Hospital on the welfare of patients;
(4) what action he proposes to take in regard to objections made by the staff to the new shift hours he has instituted at Rampton Special Hospital;
(5) what estimate he has made of the overtime which will have to be worked under the new shift hours for staff at Rampton Special Hospital.
§ Mr. AlisonThe introduction of a 40-hour week for nurses from 1st January, 1972, requires a change in the hours of duty and an increase in the number of staff. Some overtime will be necessary until additional staff, who are now being recruited, are in post. No change in shift hours has yet been made, but I am satisfied that a change to a system of shorter shifts will be beneficial both to staff and patients. Proposals for new shifts have 289W been made, on which views have been invited from the local branch of the Prison Officers' Association, which has been consulted throughout. The number of extra staff and their cost will depend on the new shift system eventually adopted.