HC Deb 31 May 1965 vol 713 cc1152-3
19. Mr. Cordle

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to provide additional accommodation in hospitals for geriatric cases and in nursing homes for elderly and infirm persons, in view of the anticipated progressive increase in the percentage of elderly persons in the community during the next decade.

33. Mr. Jackson

asked the Minister of Health what steps he plans to take to provide extra accommodation in hospitals for geriatric cases, in view of the expected increase in the percentage of old persons in the national population during the next 10 years.

Mr. K. Robinson

I have asked regional hospital boards in reviewing their programmes to give due priority to the expansion of hospital geriatric services. I propose shortly to ask local authorities to review their health and welfare plans, including the adequacy of residential accommodation to be provided for the elderly.

Mr. Cordle

In the Minister aware that there is a serious lack of suitable accommodation in hospitals for special attention to and comfort of the elderly? The housing programme is geared to special housing for elderly people, but many more will require care and treatment in hospitals or nursing homes specialising in their needs. I wonder whether special arrangements are made for dealing with advanced programmes for the geriatrics in general.

Mr. Robinson

It is partly because of this general problem that I asked hospital boards to give special consideration to the needs of geriatric services. I do not think that there is an overall shortage to the extent suggested by the hon. Member in his supplementary question. We have told hospital authorities that where the complementary services in the community are of a high standard and well developed, adequate provision would normally be about 10 hospital beds for every 1,000 persons aged over 65.

Mr. Wood

This is not only a grave but a growing problem. Would the Minister consult the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in the current review which I understand he is undertaking to see whether the whole needs of the elderly and the ageing in the future can be included in that review?

Mr. Robinson

The broadest aspect of this question will be included in that review, but it is just because of the considerations which the right hon. Gentleman has put forward that I have asked for particular attention to be given in the review and for joint planning to be done in respect of the elderly between local authorities and hospital authorities.

Mr. Turton

Will the Minister bear in mind the importance of seeing that the accommodation which is made available is near the old people's homes?

Mr. Robinson

I am not quite sure what sort of accommodation the right hon. Gentleman means.

Mr. Turton

Hospital beds.

Mr. Robinson

Hospital beds, I am afraid, will have to be provided in the hospitals which exist.