§ Mr. Arthur Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidelines are available to health authorities regarding the staffing requirements of community nursing services.
§ Mr. MoyleThe Department currently suggests a ratio of one health visitor to 4,600 population, or one to 4,300 if work in the school health service is included. Higher ratios of up to one health visitor to 3,000 population may be needed in some areas, for example, where there is a highly developed system of attachment to general practice or where there is a high immigrant population.
For district nurses, one to 4,000 population is suggested. Where there are extensive attachment schemes or where there is a high proportion of elderly and/or disabled people, up to one district nurse to 2,500 population may be desirable but the number required will depend on the availability of competent auxiliary staff to support the district nurses.