§ Mr. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware that the Medway health district is the only health district in Kent in which geriatric services are far below the regional norm; and what steps he intends to take to improve the position.
§ Mr. MoyleI am aware of the deficiencies in geriatric provision in the Medway health district. The regional health authority is determined to improve geriatric services in Medway as quickly as possible. Any major improvement in inpatient and day hospital provision for geriatric patients depends on completion of the next phase of the development of Medway Hospital. The area health authority is examining the possibility of providing further places at Keycol Hospital. The area health authority has this year increased the health district's revenue allocation by £580,000: 12 per cent. of this is for the provision of additional staff to care for the elderly, and a further share will be spent on general community support services. Every effort is being made to develop a wide range of services to support elderly people in the community.
§ Mr. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the psychogeriatric assessment unit will be installed in the Medway health district.
§ Mr. MoyleThe local health authorities are hoping shortly to bring back into use the small unit at All Saints Hospital. They are also considering the possibility of extending it on completion of adaptation works at the end of this summer. It is hoped to make further provision following the next phase of development at Medway Hospital.