HC Deb 19 December 1960 vol 632 cc862-3
16. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health what steps have been taken to provide more convalescent homes and accommodation for elderly patients after their hospital treatment; if he is aware of difficulties in finding such accommodation; and approximately how much of this accommodation is available for this type of ex-patient in the North-Eastern Hospital Board region.

Miss Pitt

In the North East Metropolitan Region about 150 convalescent beds are normally occupied by elderly patients. There are no figures to show how many elderly convalescents are in accommodation provided by the local authorities. Arrangements for convalescent accommodation are to be improved following a recent working party report.

Mr. Sorensen

Is not the hon. Lady aware that in some cases where the patients are over a certain age they are rejected by convalescent homes? Cannot something be done to try to persuade these institutions to allow elderly patients to be received for convalescent purposes, and not barred?

Miss Pitt

I think that the hon. Gentleman is probably referring to voluntary convalescent homes, though it is true that some of these are used on a contractual basis by regional boards. We are following up this question of the adequacy of convalescent accommodation, and I will certainly take note of the hon. Gentleman's point.