§ Dr. Owenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many acute beds there are for every 1,000 people in England; and whether there are plans to increase this figure.
§ Mr. John PattenThe ratio based on provisional 1982 figures was 3.0 available National Health Service beds in the acute sector for every 1,000 people in England. The number has been falling for several years, although more patients have been treated as the beds have been used more efficiently and there has been a shift to day care treatment with increased support in the community. Assessing local needs and planning services to meet them is the job of health authorities.