§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to stop bed-blocking in each county in the West Country; and if he will make a statement. [88082]
§ Mr. DenhamThe South West Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive and the Southern Office of the social services inspectorate have been working closely with health and local authorities in the South West to ensure that robust local plans are in place to reduce the number of delayed discharges. The number of delayed discharges in the South West Region fell by 18 per cent. in the year to 31 March 1999.