§ Mrs. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what directives he has received from the EEC regarding the training of nurses; whether these have been accepted by his Department; and what changes will be involved, especially regarding the availability of nurses in training for work on the wards.
§ Mr. MoyleEEC Directive 77/453/EEC which has to be complied with by 27th June 1979; directives are binding on member States. On the impact of this directive on nurse training, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Channon) on 16th May—[Vol. 950, c.155–6].
§ Mr. Raphael Tuckasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the light of the closure of wards at Kings College Hospital, London, because of the lack of adequate staff, he is satisfied with the 714W provision of nurses in the London area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleThere are difficulties in recruiting trained nurses to work in central London but I am satisfied that health authorities are making every effort to overcome these. The situation at King's College Hospital is particularly complex. The Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Area Health Authority (Teaching) has approved the recruitment of 50 additional nursing staff for the Kings Health District and the authority is actively reviewing the nursing services in all its four health districts.