§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they will take to restore the number of emergency hospital beds in London and those needed for the elderly and the mentally ill.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Hooper)The number of acute hospital beds in London has gradually reduced in recent years as a result of improvements in treatment leading to shorter in-patient stays and increased throughput. In the case of the care of elderly and of mentally-ill people, services are increasingly being provided in the community in preference to hospital. Sir Bernard Tomlinson's inquiry is addressing the particular needs of London, and his advice will help ensure that an appropriate balance between primary and community care, and care in hospital is maintained.