HC Deb 12 November 1982 vol 31 cc306-7W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will take steps to improve the staffing level at the paediatric heart surgery unit at Killingbeck hospital, Leeds;

(2) what is the nursing ratio to each intensive care bed in the paediatric heart surgery unit at Killingbeck hospital, Leeds; how this compares with the recommended staffing level; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Practices at paediatric heart surgery centres vary from place to place; at Killingbeck hospital, for instance, the intensive care unit treats both adults and children. Accordingly the Department has not issued detailed guidance on the staffing of such units and neither do they collect information centrally on nurse staffing ratios in individual units.

Staffing levels at Killingbeck hospital are determined by the Leeds eastern health authority in the light of local practices, needs and resources. If the hon. Member wishes to have more detailed information I suggest that she contacts the chairman of the authority direct.