Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, today asked the Health Minister to assure South Dorset constituents that the “thousands of nurse vancancies” would be filled after the Covid-19 outbreak.
Speaking during today’s online Health and Social Care questions, Drax said: “The beds at Portland Community Hospital had to move to Weymouth because of the shortage of trained staff. Can my honourable friend assure my constituents that we will fill the thousands of nurse vacancies, thereby allowing community hospitals like Portland to fulfil their proper function.”
Health Minister Edward Argar replied: “The government is committed to growing and supporting the NHS workforce to ensure it continues to provide world class health and care. We have set out our pledge that we will deliver 50,000 more nurses in our NHS by 2025 including through … retention and recruitment. Many of these will operate in community hospitals enabling them to continue providing that world class care and support.”
“The current crisis has emphasised how important it is to staff the NHS properly. With the appropriate number of trained nurses and doctors, I would hope that we could re-open the beds on Portland in the future. These cosy community facilities are invaluable, providing care near where people live and where friends and family can visit easily.”