§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present ratio of geriatric beds in the Medway health district; what shortage of beds this represents; and how it compares with the national ratio.
§ Dr. Owen:In the Medway Health District there are 7.13 beds per 1,000 population over age 65 compared with the national average of 8.8 beds per 1,000, and this represents a shortfall of about 55 beds.