§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement listing by specialty his work load planning assumptions for (i) 1997–98. (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000. [6738]
§ Mr. MilburnThe Department of Health does not make central work load planning assumptions. Resources are allocated to health authorities who plan activity according to local needs and priorities.
Health authorities are required to report their planned activity levels to the Department. Plans submitted by health authorities show the following general and acute activity levels for 1997–98.
Health Authority General and Acute Activity Plans, 1997–98 (000s) Elective activity Number Inpatients: FCEs 5,028 of which: ordinary admissions 1,992 day cases 3,036 Outpatient first attendances 10.475 Emergency Services Non-elective admissions 4,375 A and E first attendances 12,721 Source:
Common Information Core.
Plans for 1998–99 and 1999–2000 will be available in mid 1998 and mid 1999 respectively.