§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent guidance he has given to health authorities concerning bed occupancy rates in NHS hospitals. [104900]
§ Ms StuartNo specific guidance has been issued. However, an analysis of the research into the relationship between bed occupancy and the management of elective and emergency pressures was set out in the first report of the Emergency Services Action Team in 1997, and referred to in subsequent ESAT reports. The report was published under cover of an Executive Letter (MISC 97/62), which followed the guidance on Access to Secondary Care Services set out in Executive Letter (EL97/42). Copies of the reports and both ELs are in the Library.