§ 10. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is 181 taking to improve the provision of hospital beds and associated facilities in the area of the Blackpool and Fylde Group of hospitals.
§ Mr. AlisonCapital improvement schemes costing over £450,000 are in progress at hospitals in the Group. Construction of a 120-bedded maternity unit and additional nurses' residences at the Victoria Hospital is planned to start next year. Further schemes for improvement to the Victoria Hospital and Wesham Park Hospitals are intended.
§ Mr. BlakerWhile those plans are very welcome, is my hon. Friend aware that the area contains a high proportion of very old people who have retired there and therefore cannot rely on help from their families, and that this imposes an unusally heavy demand for hospital services? Do his Department's plans take that factor into account?
§ Mr. AlisonI note my hon. Friend's point. I understand that current plans for the next few years include capital improvements to geriatric services.