HC Deb 21 February 1973 vol 851 cc131-2W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many private beds are available in National Health Service hospitals in Manchester now; and what is their average occupancy.

Mr. Alison

There are 160 private beds available in the hospitals admin- istered by the North East Manchester and the Wythenshawe and North Cheshire Hospital Management Committees, the University Hospital Management Committee of South Manchester, and the United Manchester Hospitals.

The average occupancy for the year ended 31st December 1972 was 87.8.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the waiting list figures for central Manchester for admission to: (a) private beds and (b) National Health Service beds.

Mr. Alison

On 31st December 1972 there were 116 persons awaiting admission for private treatment and 4,627 for National Health Service treatment at the United Manchester Hospitals.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what increases in both private and National Health Service bed provision in Manchester are expected during the next decade.

Mr. Alison

Planning for the provision of beds in 10 years' time will be the responsibility of the new health authorities proposed to be set up under the National Health Service Reorganisation Bill shortly to come before this House, and no estimate of overall provision can be made at present.