HC Deb 26 April 1977 vol 930 cc294-5W
Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the average length of time a patient spends on the waiting list in order to gain admission to a geriatric bed in Stockport hospitals;

(2) what is the length of the waiting list for geriatric patients in Stockport hospitals.

Mr. Moyle

On 21st April 1977 there were 102 patients on the waiting list for admission as in-patients, of whom 17 had been waiting for less than one week, 56 for between one and six weeks, 23 for between six and 12 months and six for over one year. The number of persons on the waiting list for non-urgent outpatient appointments was 22.

Information from which the average waiting time could be calculated is not readily available. Averages are in any case misleading because waiting times vary according to the circumstances of each case. Urgent cases are admitted without delay.

Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many beds will be available in the new Stockport geriatric unit scheduled to open in 1979.

Mr. Moyle

The unit planned to open at Stepping Hill Hospital in 1979 will provide 56 beds and 50 day places for elderly patients suffering from severe mental infirmity.

Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many beds are reserved for geriatric patients in Stockport hospitals.

Mr. Moyle

305, excluding 32 pre-convalescent beds at Cherry Tree Hospital also currently being used for geriatric purposes.

Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the staff-patient ratio in geriatric wards in Stockport hospitals.

Mr. Moyle

for nursing staff the ratio is one nurse to 1.34 patients. Information for other categories of staff is not readily available.