§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many additional psychiatric beds would be needed in inner London to bring the average rate of bed occupancy to 85 per cent.
§ Mr. BowisThe number of psychiatric beds is not the only factor influencing bed occupancy rates. The mental health task force's report on services for severely mentally ill people in London, "Priorities for Action", copies of which are available in the Library, found that increased availability of community services and good bed management strategies could reduce the pressure on acute beds. All inner London health authorities have agreed action plans to review their provision of acute psychiatric beds or alternative community-based accommodation and commission any necessary additional provision for 1995–96.