§ Mr. Whitlockasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what efforts are being made to provide long-stay accommodation in the area of Nottingham Area Health Authority for the chronically sick who need such accommodation but who cannot be accommodated in general medical wards where they might occupy acute medical beds, and who are of such an age that they cannot be accommodated in units designed for the young chronically sick or in geriatric wards.
§ Dr. OwenOther than chronically sick children, to whom I assume my hon. Friend is not referring, I would regard units for the younger disabled as generally meeting the needs of patients up to age 64.
The Nottingham Area Health Authority at present has one unit for the younger disabled at King's Mill Hospital, Mansfield. I am informed that the need for further provision is being actively considered but there are difficulties in selecting suitable sites.