HC Deb 15 May 1987 vol 116 cc480-2W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what it the reason for increasing a nurse's board and loading charges form £42 to £70 per month when the nurse reaches the age of 22 years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

The agreement on lodging charges for nursing staff, which are negotiated with the staff side of the nursing and Midwifery Staffs Negotiating Council, provides for a remission for staff under the age of 22.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many enrolled nurses have applied for positions in the Grampian health board area in the years 1983 to 1986; what is the latest figure for 1987; and how many were appointed.

Mr. John MacKay

Appointment of nursing staff in the Grampian area is a matter for Grampian health board, and this information is not available centrally.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why nurses who are transferred from Aberdeen hospital to Ladysbridge hospital in Banff are obliged to pay £650 over a 42-week period in personal travelling expenses; if he will consider some form of reimbursement for these outlays; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

The nurses in question are students in training at Foresterhill college of nursing and midwifery for the first level qualification in nursing the mentally handicapped. Grampian health board take the view that these students are based in Aberdeen during the first stage of their training, and in Banff for the second stage, and provide accommodation at each location for the relevant period. In these circumstances travelling expenses are not payable except for periods spent away from Banff during the second stage.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how the clothing allowance is assessed for nurses when on the type of duty which requires ordinary clothing rather than uniform; what are the monetary values of the allowance per annum; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

There is no national agreement on this matter, which is left to the discretion of individual health hoards. The management side of the Nursing and Midwifery Staffs Negotiating Council has, however, advised boards that alternative clothing, or monetary allowances, should in general cost no more than uniforms.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many nurses are on night duty at Campbell hospital, Portsoy; for how many people services are provided; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

There are five nurses on night duty at Campbell hospital, Portsoy, to cover 58 long-stay geriatric patients.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many nurses are on the day shift and for dressings at Campbell hospital, Portsoy; how many people are covered; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

The total nursing establishment for day duty at Campbell hospital, Portsoy, is 33. This includes cover for working shifts, for time off, holidays and sick leave. Of the total establishment, 16 are fully trained nurses available to deal with dressings as and when required. This establishment covers 58 long-stay geriatric patients.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what guarantee is given to nurses at Ladysbridge hospital, Banff on secondment to the college at Foresthill for further training of a post at Ladybridge on completion of the 18-month course; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

Any nurse who is seconded to a course at a College of Nursing and Midwifery would normally be expected to return to her original post or an equivalent one on completion of the course. There are at present vacancies for qualified nursing staff at Ladysbridge hospital.