§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of the hospital stock was built (a) pre-1850, (b) pre-1900, (c) pre-1925 (d) pre-1950 and (e) pre-1960.
§ Dr. VaughanInformation is not available exactly in the form sought. The last detailed survey of the age of hospital stock was carried out in 1972. This showed an estimated percentage age distribution of hospital stock in England as follows
Pre-1850: 6 per cent.; 1850 to 1899: 27 per cent.; 1900 to 1918 : 16 per cent. ; 1919 to 1948 : 22 per cent. ; 1949 to date 23 per cent.; age not known : 6 per cent.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what records his Department keeps of the state of hospital buildings and equipment; and what it would cost to bring hospitals and their equipment up to standard.
§ Dr. VaughanRecords of the state of hospital buildings and equipment are not held centrally. This is a matter for individual health authorities. The last detailed survey of hospital stock was carried out in 1972. Based on information from this survey it is estimated that £200 million at 1979 prices needs to be spent to bring hospitals in England up to a good standard in terms of their physical condition.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the expected lifespan of hospitals ; how many buildings and what equipment are still being used beyond their estimated lifespan ; and what percentage this represents.
339W
§ Dr. VaughanThe expected lifespan of hospitals varies according to design considerations. In general, the expected lifespan of hospitals currently under construction is approximately 100 years. Engineering plant and equipment usually has an average expected lifespan of 30 years. Few of the older hospitals have not been substantially altered or improved during their lifetime. Records are not held centrally of the hospital buildings and equipment which are being used beyond their originally designed lifespan.