§ Mr. Kevin HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the NHS's fulfilment of its responsibilities in providing in-patient care for elderly people. [38035]
§ Mr. BowisHealth authorities are responsible for assessing the continuing health care needs of their local population. This includes continuing in-patient care for older people. Recent guidance set out national health service responsibilities in this area and requires health authorities to develop local policies and eligibility criteria for continuing health care. Copies of the guidance are available in the Library.