HC Deb 14 November 1972 vol 846 cc72-4W
Dr. John A. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many hostels for paraplegics exist within the National Health Service; where they are located; and how many people they can accommodate;

(2) how many special centres for the treatment of spinal cord injuries exist within the National Health Service; where they are located; and what is the number of places in each centre;

(3) how many patients are currently waiting for places in special centres for the treatment of spinal cord injuries.

Mr. Alison

In England and Wales there are hospital centres at Hexham (16 beds), Wakefield (30 beds), Sheffield (64 beds), Stoke Mandeville (168 beds), Oswestry (61 beds), Southport (34 beds) and Cardiff (48 beds). The numbers of beds available at Sheffield and Oswestry are temporarily reduced to 43 and 42 beds respectively owing to building alterations and redecoration. There is one hostel for 30 people attached to the Stoke Mandeville centre. On 10th November, 1972, there were 77 patients awaiting first admission to these centres; the number awaiting re-admission for further treatment is not readily available.

Dr. John A. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the annual figures for the last available 10-year period for spinal cord injuries treated under the National Health Service; and into which age ranges the majority of patients fall.

Mr. Alison

The estimated numbers of hospital inpatient spells due to spinal cord injuries are:—

1961 1,290
1962 1,003
1963 1,098
1964 1,117
1965 1,410
1966 1,292
1967 1,750
1968 2,255
1969 1,738
1970 1,803
These figures include discharges and deaths after first admission or readmission. The numbers of patients are not available. The age distribution was fairly even at all ages over 15 years, with relatively few children.

Dr. John A. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients suffering from spinal cord injuries have currently been in National Health Service hospitals or hostels for more than one year.

Mr. Alison

I regret that this information is not readily available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.