HL Deb 01 April 1998 vol 588 cc41-2WA
Baroness Robson of Kiddington

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the breakdown of geriatric beds between acute rehabilitation and long stay care following the announcement by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Health on 5 November 1997 that 32,000 geriatric beds were available on the NHS. [HL1254]

Baroness Jay of Paddington

The Department of Health does not collect information on the breakdown of geriatric beds between acute rehabilitation and long stay care. The latest information that is available is given in the table.

Table: Average daily number of available beds in geriatric wards in National Health Service trusts in England, 1996–97
Number
Elderly: Normal Care1 30,000
Elderly: Limited Care2 2,000
Elderly: Total 32,000
1 Where resources permit the admission of patients who might need all but intensive therapy.
2 Where nursing care rather than continuous medical care is provided.