§ Mr. Goughasked the Minister of Health what facilities exist in the Horsham area for the accommodation and care of the chronic sick; what number of beds are actually available, and what is the estimated call on those beds; what happens to those not provided for; and if he will take steps to make a grant to supplement private nursing fees, where beds are not available.
§ Mr. TurtonFor the chronic sick there are available, seven beds at Horsham and 158 beds at other hospitals in the Redhill Group. Sixteen patients are awaiting admission to Horsham and in addition three patients are awaiting transfer from other hospitals to Horsham. The total waiting list in the Redhill Group is 110. Patients on waiting lists are either in private nursing homes or at their own homes and are cared for with the help of the local health authority's home nursing and home help services. I have no power to make a grant towards the cost of private nursing home fees.