asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state what facilities exist for (a) the training (outside mental institutions) of male nurses, and (b) the examination for the purpose of issuing certificates of competence to male nurses; whether he is aware that a number of wardsmen, who desire an opportunity of sitting for examination with a view to becoming qualified male nurses, are obliged to sit for the examination in Great Britain; and, if so, if he will state whether it is intended to provide facilities to enable such examinations to be held in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Training of Male Nurses.
There are no facilities being afforded at present by hospital authorities for the training (outside mental institutions) of male nurses. The General Nursing Council have provided facilities for the examination of male nurses but candidates for the examination must have been trained at a hospital which has been recognised as a training school by the General Nursing Council. Any hospital desiring to train persons as male nurses may make application for recognition in that regard to the General Nursing Council. No hospital has, so far, applied for recognition.