HC Deb 29 March 1965 vol 709 cc159-60W
Mr. Randall

asked the Minister of Health what is the number of beds in the Gateshead Hospital Group for geriatric patients, and the distribution among the various hospitals; how the figures compare with those for January, 1962; and what are the plans to increase the present number.

Mr. Loughlin

The hospitals and numbers of beds are:

1962 1965
Dunston Hill 26 30
Whinney House 64 64
Bensham General 66 48
Total 156 142

In 1962 some of the beds were occupied by chronic sick patients who would now be accommodated in other wards. Twenty additional geriatric beds will be available at Dunston Hill early next month. In the longer term it is planned to provide 250 geriatric beds as part of the development of Queen Elizabeth Hospital.