Mental Health (Hansard, 5 November 2003)

§ Chris Grayling
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many in-patient beds have been available in London for patients with(a) mental health conditions and (b) learning disabilities in London in each year since 1997. [133745]

§ Mr. Hutton
The average daily number of in-patient beds in London for patients with mental health conditions and learning disabilities in national health service trusts in the London area are shown in the table.

Average daily number of available beds, mental illness and learning disability sectors, London area¹

Mental illness Learning disability

1996–97 7,186 576

1997–98 7,300 569

1998–99 7,008 554

1999–2000 6,155 554

2000–01 6,401 488

2001–02 6,149 461

2002–03 6,321 158

¹ Reorganisation of NHS administrative boundaries may mean figures are not directly comparable. From 1996–97 to 2000–01, the figures are based on the number of beds reported by NHS trusts within the London Regional Office boundary. For 2001–02 and 2002–03, the figures are based on the number of beds reported by NHS trusts located within the five London strategic health authorities of North West London, North Central London, North East London, South East London and South West London.

Source:
Department of Health form KH03.

§ Tim Loughton
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many agency nurses are employed in each(a) hospital trust and (b) mental health trust shown (i) in actual numbers and (ii) as a percentage of nursing staff overall. [134769]

§ Mr. Hutton
The information requested is not collected centrally.

§ Mr. Heald
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will commission research into the issues raised by Mind's report, The Hidden Costs of Mental Health; and if he will make a statement. [135600]

§ Ms Rosie Winterton
The Department keeps its priorities for research under review. Priorities for departmental research and development support for the development of policy are determined through discussion with policy colleagues and Ministers. In the national health service, priorities are identified through widespread consultation with those using, delivering and managing services. They take account of the burden692W of disease, potential benefits and departmental objectives, as well as the responsibilities and work of other funders, including the charities.

Average daily number of available beds, mental illness and learning disability sectors, London area¹
	Mental illness	Learning disability
1996–97	7,186	576
1997–98	7,300	569
1998–99	7,008	554
1999–2000	6,155	554
2000–01	6,401	488
2001–02	6,149	461
2002–03	6,321	158
¹ Reorganisation of NHS administrative boundaries may mean figures are not directly comparable. From 1996–97 to 2000–01, the figures are based on the number of beds reported by NHS trusts within the London Regional Office boundary. For 2001–02 and 2002–03, the figures are based on the number of beds reported by NHS trusts located within the five London strategic health authorities of North West London, North Central London, North East London, South East London and South West London.