§ Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take immediate steps to remedy the shortage of skilled staff which has brought about the closure of the recently opened bone marrow transplant unit at the Leicester Royal infirmary.
§ Mrs. CurrieResponsibility for the management of local health services lies with the district health authority concerned. However, I understand that the bone marrow unit referred to which closed because of staff shortages on 16 May will reopen on 30 May. Nationally the recent pay awards and the clinical grading review should help to overcome difficulties associated with recruitment of specialised nursing staff. We are also encouraging district health authorities to broaden their recruitment methods. My hon. Friend may wish to contact the chairman of Leicestershire district health authority for more detailed information.