§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the source for the statement by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Derbyshire, South (Mrs. Currie) on 17 February, Official Report, column 867, about the number of nurses in the National Health Service; what action he proposes to take in the light of representations from the hon. Member for Brent, South about shortages of nurses in Brent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThe source of the statement was the increase of 62,000 whole time equivalents (from 428,000 to 490,800 WTEs) in the total nursing and midwifery staff (including agency staff) in Great Britain between September 1978 and September 1985. Of these an estimated 29,200 WTEs were needed to compensate for the reduction in the working week in 1980–81.
The provision of nursing services in Brent itself is a matter for the Brent Health Authority. However the NHS Management Board has commissioned a study into the nursing services in London. The Steering Group is currently processing the information obtained and is aiming to complete its study and report to the Management Board by late Spring. We will then consider what local or national action may be required to remedy any problems revealed.