RESIGNATION OF STAFF NURSES

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Health and Law what is the number of staff nurses who have left Government Service since 1st June, 1959, and the general reason therefor.

Mr Byrne: Mr Speaker, Sir, the total number of staff and student nurses who have left the service since 1st June, 1959, is 228. They resigned for the following reasons:-

26 resigned on marriage;

52 left to go to the United Kingdom;

49 returned to their families in the Federation;

29 went on oversea study courses and resigned when they were either in England or Australia;

22 resigned for personal reasons;

10 to improve their prospects;

1 died;

7 were medically boarded out of the service;

10 went abroad to Borneo, Jesselton and Japan to settle down there, and

22 gave no reasons for leaving the service.

In the same period, 617 student nurses and staff nurses were recruited. The approved number of posts for staff nurses and student nurses as at February, 1962, is 1,319. The actual strength is 1,060, leaving 259 vacancies still to be filled.

Mr David Marshall: I would ask the Minister whether the number given of 228 is abnormal, and if so, whether the rate of remuneration is more favourable in the Federation, thereby attracting our nurses to the Federation service.

Mr Byrne: Mr Speaker, Sir, it is true that the rate of remuneration was better in the Federation until recently when the variable allowance was restored. The position has reversed since. The terms of employment are better now in Singapore than they are in the Federation. Those who left the service to go back to the Federation did so for family reasons. They wished to join their families there.