§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the shortage of beds in the hospitals within the Walsall Area Health Authority; if he is satisfied with bed availability; and when he estimates the area will achieve an acceptable level.
§ Mr. MoyleThe extent of shortage of hospital beds in Walsall depends on the assumptions made about the levels of provision needed and the population to be served, but on any reasonable assumption the area is short of acute, geriatric and mental illness, and possibly maternity beds. This is a situation which has developed over many years. The need for increased provision is fully accepted, but it is too early to forecast when additional beds will be available.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many staffed allocated beds arc available in the Walsall Area Health Authority for each of the following specialisms: infectious diseases, dermatology, neurology, cardiology, physical and medical rehabilitation, rheumatology, younger disabled, ophthalmology, radiotherapy, urology, plastic surgery, thoracic surgery, neurosurgery, mental illness, intensive care, renal, metabolic, amenity, PP beds, intermittent remedial, psycho-geriatric, electro-convulsive therapy, Rheum./TRAU and Ortho., venereal disease and paediatric surgery.
§ Mr. MoyleThe information, as at 31st December 1977, is as follows:
- Ophthalmology, 4.
- Amenity, 20 authorised.
- Private patients, 13 authorised.
- Traumatic and orthopaedic, 39 adult.
- Paediatric surgery, 16, includes 6 orthopaedic.
- Intensive care, 5 beds for coronary care are specifically assigned, other beds made available as necessary.
- Renal and metabolic, no beds specifically assigned, patients treated in general medical beds.
- Others, nil.