§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if she will take action to facilitate the reopening of wards which are at present closed at Joyce Green Hospital, Dartford;
(2) what proposals she has to improve accommodation for nursing staff at hospitals in the Dartford and Gravesham health district.
§ Mr. Alec JonesThe Kent Area Health Authority, which is responsible in the first instance for health services in Dartford and Gravesham, tells me that the closures are due primarily to a shortage of nursing staff. In an effort to overcome staff recruitment difficulties it is spending £13,500 this year on improvements to residential accommodation. Subject to the availability of funds it hopes to make significant further improvements at Joyce Green and the nearby Westhill Hospitals in 1975–76.