§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the cost of installing an air loss bed in a National Health Service hospital; how many are available and where in the East Anglian Region; and what is the intensity of usage and waiting lists for plastic surgery, burn and medical treatment.
§ Mr. MoyleThe present cost of a low air loss bed is of the order of £3,000. In the East Anglian Health Region there is one air loss bed which is located at the regional plastic surgery centre at the West Norwich Hospital. It is in constant use. 229W There is no waiting list, since patients are also treated on other types of appropriate bed.
I should expect health authorities individually to assess their need for this and other types of special beds, and to arrange for necessary purchases from within their available resources. The Department are exploring arrangements for hire of low air loss beds from the manufacturer by health authorities.