§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will initiate an urgent inquiry into the levels of nursing staff at the Eastbourne District General Hospital and their effect on standards of patient care; and if he will make a statement. [81657]
§ Mr. HuttonThe East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Health Authority has a duty to ensure that the quality of care for those living in Eastbourne is satisfactory. The health authority and Eastbourne Hospitals National Health Service Trust are conducting a joint analysis of current needs regarding nursing staff levels at the hospital, and expect to conclude this work by June for consideration by the local Primary Care Group.
We have also asked officials of the National Health Service Executive to discuss nursing levels at the trust with the Chief Executive and Director of Nursing of the NHS trust.