HC Deb 24 October 2000 vol 355 c120W
28. Valerie Davey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to combat winter pressures in the acute hospital sector. [131880]

Ms Stuart

The National Health Service has been planning for this winter for some time, working closely with social services and building on experience over previous years. All NHS trusts are members of local winter planning groups, working with other health and social services organisations. We have provided an additional £660 million to provide additional capacity both for winter and to meet demand throughout the year. This funding includes £60 million for an improved flu campaign and £142.5 million to provide over 340 additional adult critical care beds.