§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales what, from information available to him, he regards as the average requirement in Wales per 1,000 persons of beds for geriatric patients; and how soon he expects this level to be reached.
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§ Mr. Peter Thomas:The national norm is 10 beds per 1,000 population aged 65 and over. In total, the number of geriatric beds available in Wales fulfils this norm, but there is a surplus in some areas and a shortage in others. The Welsh Hospital Board is currently undertaking a special study of the needs of the elderly in Wales.
§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of persons in Wales at the present moment who are in need of admission to geriatric hospitals.
§ Mr. Peter Thomas:On 31st December, 1971, the latest date for which a figure is available, there were 383 on the waiting lists for geriatric beds.
§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales what studies he proposes to make of the need of more beds in hospitals in Wales for geriatric patients.
§ Mr. Peter Thomas:The Welsh Hospital Board is currently carrying out a special study of the overall health needs of the elderly. The study includes an assessment of the adequacy of present hospital bed provision.