§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to meet the pressure on NHS bed resources which will result from the increase in the over-75 years age group in the population in the years ahead; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EnnalsIn the document on priorities "The Way Forward" and in my latest planning guidelines to health authorities in England, a copy of which I have placed in the Library, I have emphasised the importance of responding, in the acute hospital services generally and in particular by the development in general hospitals of departments of geriatric medicine, to the pressures which will result from the increase in numbers of the very elderly. It is not only beds that are needed: additional staff time and effort are required particularly in nursing and in remedial treatment to enable elderly patients to return home as soon as possible, and community health services need to be expanded to provide necessary care for them in their homes. With developments of this kind an increase in the number of beds in direct proportion to the increase in the number of people over 75 will not be either necessary or appropriate. Health authorities will be taking account of this guidance in preparing strategic and operational plans during this year.