§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the extent of the additional bedded accommodation which is planned by the Eastern Health and Social Service Board by 1981–82 for the elderly infirm of mind and body; and how far the potential provision caters for the increased number of elderly persons residing in the area of the Eastern Board during that period.
§ Mr. CarterThe additional bedded accommodation planned by the Eastern446W Health and Social Services Board by 1981–82 for the elderly infirm of mind and body is as follows:
Hospital Beds Residential Beds Elderly Infirm of Mind 22 60 Elderly Infirm of Body 177 310 Despite this substantial building programme it will not be practicable by 1981–82 to reach target scales of provision of bedded accommodation for the elderly which at present indicate that the Eastern Board will need to provide a further 392 and 695 beds, respectively, for the elderly infirm of mind and the elderly infirm of body. It is the intention of the Board to meet this need as resources and other priorities permit, and rationalised designs have been produced for hospital geriatric units and old people's homes which substantially shorten the planning period, for these types of facilities. The planning of hospital units for the mentally confused will also be hastened by a standard design now being prepared.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what amount of Government funds was made available to the Health and Social Services Boards in 1975–76, 1976–77 and 1977–78 for the home care and hospitalisation, respectively, of the elderly in each board area; how many nursing and ancillary staff are employed on these services in domiciliary work and hospital work, respectively, for those years; and what are the plans for 1981–82.
§ Mr. CarterThis information is not available and could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.