HC Deb 12 July 1977 vol 935 cc106-7W
Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the shortfall of the estimated number of nurses and midwives in the Trent Regional Health Authority area at the latest available date; and if he will make a statement on what action he is taking to help this health authority to bring the nursing staff up to the requisite numbers.

Mr. Moyle

At 30th September 1975 there were 27,905 nurses and midwives—whole-time equivalents—employed by health authorities in Trent Region. There is no nationally approved staffing level for nurses and midwives, and it is for health authorities to decide, within the resources available, the level and mix of staffing most approprate to local needs.