HC Deb 14 March 1994 vol 239 cc533-4W
Ms Jowell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the most recent average length of stay in maternity units in London hospitals is; and what it was in 1984.

Mr. Sackville

a Figures for London could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Figures available for the average length of stay, ordinary admissions, non-psychiatric hospitals, by sector, national health service hospitals, England for 1984 and 1991–92 are:

Maternity 1984 1991–921
Number of days 4.8 3.3
1 (Provisional data for 1991–92).

Source:

Table 14 Department of Health statistical bulletin on hospital activity statistics 10/93, a copy of which is available in the Library.

Ms Jowell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether any London hospitals require patients in maternity units to provide their own bedding for themselves and their new-born babies.

Mr. Sackville

This is a matter for the hospitals themselves, although we are not aware of any such requirements.