§ 45. Mr. Maurice Macmillanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to enable more patients to be treated without staying in hospitals.
§ Mr. CrossmanThere is constant expansion in the provision of day-patient treatment in the fields of geriatrics and psychiatry, while an increasing number of minor surgical and diagnostic procedures are being carried out on this basis. I am confident that this development will lead to a reduction in the length of stay in hospital, or even avoid admission altogether in some cases, though the rate of progress will depend to some extent upon the availability of adequate domiciliary services.
§ Mr. MacmillanWhile welcoming the tendency towards community care rather than institutional case, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has any plans for helping financially since most of the cost will fall on the ratepayer rather than on the taxpayer and the Government have reduced the rate of increase in rate support grant and cut back the local authority health and welfare services?
§ Mr. CrossmanIf the hon. Gentleman looks at my answer, he will see that the 824 suggestions I made do not bear on the ratepayer, because day-patient treatment in hospital is a Health Service responsibility.