§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department will encourage health boards to conduct audits of beds available at 12 noon on each day; what information he has as to the likely information to be gained from this; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythNo. The "bed count" is taken at midnight because at that time there is the least amount of patient movement and greater statistical accuracy is assured. A count at midday would disrupt the work of the ward and be a less accurate reflection of ward work. The information derived from the bed count is published in "Scottish Health Statistics," copies of which are held in the Library.