§ Mr. Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidelines or norms are set by her Department for the number of surgical beds per 100,000 population within a district of an area health authority.
§ Mr. Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidelines or norms are set by her Department for the number of major operating theatres per 100,000 population within a district of an area health authority.
§ Dr. OwenMy Department gives advice to regional health authorities on planning of surgical services but no national guidelines or norms are set for either surgical beds or major operating theatres. Existing provision and future plans prepared by health authorities vary to some extent since they must take account of variations in local circumstances.