§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many care home beds were available in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001 in Shropshire. [44680]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 21 March 2002]: The information on the number of residential and nursing care beds in Shropshire is shown in the table at 31 March each year.
Residential and nursing care beds in Shropshire1, 1997 to 2001 At 31 March Rounded numbers Total number of registered care beds Residential care beds Nursing care beds2 19973 5,000 3,090 1,920 1998 5,950 4,030 1,920 1999 5,430 3,470 1,970 2000 5,320 3,390 1,930 2001 5,310 3,430 1,880 1 Information on residential care for 1999 onwards is presented for Shropshire County Council and Telford and Wrekin Unitary Authority. 2 Includes beds in private hospitals and clinics. 3 Nursing beds relate to the period 1 October 1996 to 31 March 1997. Source:
Department of Health's annual returns.