§ Mr. Orbachasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals have been placed before her by the area health authority for making more beds and staff available for geriatric patients in Stockport hospitals, in view of the present long waiting lists.
§ Dr. OwenNone. It is the responsibility of the area health authority to plan the development of its services. I understand that among the proposals currently being considered are: to provide additional geriatric beds; establishment of a five-day ward for geriatric patients; increase in nursing staff establishment; provision of a night-nursing service and, to reduce demands on nursing staff, introduction of house-keeping teams and, in conjunction with the local authority, provision of a domiciliary laundry service.