HC Deb 25 November 1981 vol 13 cc418-9W
Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the shortfall of geriatric beds in each of the area health authorities in the Trent region.

Dr. Vaughan

[pursuant to his reply, 17 November 1981, c. 112–13]: The average daily number of geriatric beds available in each of the area health authorities in the Trent region in the year ended 31 December 1980, compared with the estimated requirement, is as follows:

Area Available beds Estimated requirement Shortfall
Derbyshire 940 1299 359
Leicestershire 856 1147 291

Area Available beds Estimated requirement Shortfall
Lincolnshire 688 801 113
Nottinghamshire 1005 1394 389
Barnsley 240 315 75
Doncaster 292 369 77
Rotherham 293 322 29
Sheffield 738 902 164

While I share the hon. Member's concern at these figures, it is important to have regard also to the pattern of service provided locally in terms of bed use and related facilities.