§ Mr. StrangTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the nurse-to-patient ratio for each year since 1979 in Lothian health board.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe information requested is not available centrally, but the following table shows the ratio of the number of whole-time equivalent nurses (including qualified, unqualified and learner nurses) to average occupied beds in each year to 31 March.
Ratio 1979 1.2:1 1980 1.3:1 1981 1.3:1 1982 1.4:1 1983 1.4:1 1984 1.4:1
Listed 1 Crown 2 Crown 3 Crown 4 Crown 5 Crown Total Classification only 11 4 16 16 5 — 52 Grading Approved 14 9 85 60 11 — 179 Commended 5 3 68 190 140 12 418 Highly commended — — 1 10 9 13 33 Total 30 16 170 276 165 25 682 The scheme, which is voluntary, also covers guest houses and bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation. A figure on the rate of failure among hotels is not available.
The scheme has been very well received and is proving to be highly successful. It should prove to be a most useful marketing tool and will also serve as a means of encouraging the provision of good quality accommodation.