§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the number of intensive care nurses available to the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonWe have not received any formal representations about the number of intensive care nurses available to the National Health Service, although we have received a number of letters referring to nurse staffing difficulties in intensive care units in particular localities. Nationally the total number of nursing staff employed in intensive care units in England continues to increase and at September 1985 there were 5,970 whole-time equivalents; an increase of 66.6 per cent. since 1981. The number entering training in the year ended 31 March 1987 was 563; an increase of 13.5 per cent. over the previous 12 months.