§ 12. Mr. Clayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the level and quality of National Health Service provision within the Northern regional health authority.
§ Mr. HayhoeGovernments can never be entirely satisfied with the level and quality of health service provision. In common with the rest of the service, however, the Northern regional health authority is treating more patients than ever before and, backed up by real increases in resources, is making significant improvements in the range and quality of its services.
§ Mr. ClayGiven that since 1979, in that region, 18 hospitals have been closed, with the loss of 845 beds, and given, as the Minister must know, that the regional health authority estimates that next year the development of service provision will be less than 1 per cent., while at the same time the increase in workload will be over 2 per cent., how on earth can he make such a complacent and inaccurate reply to my question?
§ Mr. HayhoeFor the simple reason that there have been very significant increases in activity levels in that region. Since 1979 the number of inpatient cases has grown by 15 per cent., day cases by 61 per cent., outpatient cases by 9 per cent., and accident and emergency cases by 3 per cent. That is a record of improvement based upon an increase in real resources in that area.