HC Deb 31 July 1974 vol 878 cc393-4W
Mr. Jim Lester

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how the current numbers of geriatric beds in the North and South Nottinghamshire districts of the Nottinghamshire Area Health Authority compare with the national average for geriatric beds per population over 65 years;

(2) what are the current number of geriatric beds in the North and South districts of the Nottinghamshire Area Health Authority and how these numbers relate to the size of the population over 65 years;

(3) how the current number of geriatric beds in the North and South Nottinghamshire districts of the Nottinghamshire Area Health Authority compare with the Department of Health and Social Security recommendations for the number of geriatric beds per head of population over 65 years.

Dr. Owen

The North and South Nottingham districts of the Nottinghamshire AHA(T) together provide 420 geriatric beds. Information as to population aged 65 years and over on a health district basis is not yet available. For figures relating to the area of the Nottinghamshire AHA(T) I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 19th June. The recommended level of provision is

10.0.

Mr. Jim Lester

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information she has on the quality of geriatric beds currently available in the North and South Nottingham districts; and how many need to be rehoused in modern wards.

Dr. Owen

Developments to improve both the quality and quantity of hospital services for geriatric patients are being progressively implemented by the health authorities responsible for the North and South Nottingham districts. One hundred and twenty modern beds have already been provided and a further 56 are under construction at the City and Sherwood and General Hospitals. One hundred and forty-four beds are also planned to be provided in the new University Hospital, now under construction. It is the policy of the local health authorities to keep services for geriatric patients under constant review and to improve them as rapidly as resources permit.