§ 34. Mr. Orbachasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received any representations from the Stockport Health Authority or the North-West Regional Authority in connection with the acute shortage of beds for elderly mentally ill patients in the area.
§ Mr. MoyleI have received no such representations, although I understand that there are deficiencies in hospital facilities, both for in-patients and for day-patients. These are being taken into account by the Area and Regional Health Authorities in their planning. Work has already started on the provision of a psychiatric unit and a unit for the elderly mentally severely infirm at Stepping Hill Hospital.