§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of those on the waiting list for geriatric hospital beds in North-West Surrey during 1968 died before admission.
§ Mr. Ennals16.2 per cent.; this includes people waiting in local authority homes and private nursing homes as well as those waiting at home.
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the criteria for inclusion on the geriatric hospital waiting list in North-West Surrey.
§ Mr. EnnalsNo general criteria are laid down. Each case is considered on its merits by the geriatrician concerned.
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average length of time spent on the waiting list for a geriatric hospital bed in North-West Surrey.
§ Mr. EnnalsIt is not possible to give a meaningful figure of average waiting time for geriatric beds. All patients are assessed on their current medico-social circumstances which govern the degree of priority they are given in relation to other patients who are awaiting admission.
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many additional geriatric hospital beds have been provided in North-West Surrey during each of the past four years; and 10W how many, on present plans, will be provided in each of the next four years.
§ Mr. Ennals20 in 1965, 13 in 1966, 12 in 1967 and none in 1968. I understand that the regional hospital board has at present no plans to provide further additional geriatric beds in this area over the next four years.