§ 43. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Health how many geriatric beds are available in the Hull area; and what he is doing to remedy any shortage.
§ Mr. SnowThere are 388. About 50 more will shortly become available at Hull Royal Infirmary. Work on extensions to Castle Hill Hospital, which will provide a further 96 beds, is expected to start this year.
§ Mr. JohnsonI appreciate the sterling efforts which the Government are making, but is it not a fact that many old people would sooner stay out of the acute hospitals and would sooner stay at home if they were given home help? In considering the problem of catering for geriatric beds, will my hon. Friend bear that in mind and will he give local authorities more power to increase the home help service?
§ Mr. SnowI do not think that that arises out of the Question. I think that the existing powers of local authorities are adequate provided that there are the personnel to meet these vacancies. Perhaps my hon. Friend will bear in mind that the additional beds which I have mentioned will produce a situation in the area concerned which is not at all unsatisfactory.