HC Deb 14 April 2003 vol 403 c626W
Dr. Evan Harris

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what definition of a ward is used in the national health service. [106601]

Mr. Hutton

The national health service data dictionary defines a ward as a group of beds with associated treatment facilities managed by a senior nurse.

Decisions about whether a specific bed grouping in a ward are made at a local level.