HC Deb 02 February 1971 vol 810 cc308-9W
Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of elderly persons waiting to enter hospital in the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board's area; how many are from the Mexborough and district area; and if he will make a statement on the Government's policies to provided more geriatric beds.

Mr. Alison

The numbers of elderly persons on waiting lists are not separately identified. On 30th September, 1970, 841 persons were waiting for admission to geriatric and chronic sick beds in hospitals in the Region, including four from the Mexborough area. Hospital authorities have been asked to give high priority to the improvement of geriatric services, but Boards have also to consider competing demands on their resources.