§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made of the staffing levels on the geriatric wards at Stepping Hill, Stockport; and whether he has discussed the matter with either the regional or district health authorities.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 23 April 1990]: We have been assured by the chairman of the Stockport district health authority that local managers, with the agreement of senior nursing and medical colleagues, have assessed and will continue to keep under review the nurse staffing levels on the geriatric wards at Stepping Hill hospital. We do not intend to erode local responsibility for managing the hospital services by intervening in this matter.
§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will review staffing levels in geriatric wards in the light of correspondence from Mr. Pink, a charge nurse at Stepping Hill hospital, Stockport.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 23 April 1990]: The Department of Health does not and could not prescribe the staffing requirements on geriatric wards across the country because, for example, nursing requirements depend upon the number and individual needs of patients, the design of wards, and the skills and experience of nurses. That is why general managers working with medical and nursing colleagues decide such matters at the local level.
§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish in theOfficial Report or place copies in the Library, the replies sent by Ministers to correspondence from Mr. Pink, a charge nurse at Stepping Hill hospital, Stockport.
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 23 April 1990]: Replies on behalf of Ministers and the chief executive of the 352W management board of the National Health Service were sent to Mr. Pink on 28 November 1989 and 5 April 1990. I am arranging for copies of these replies to be placed in the Library.