§ Mr. Galleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the performance of the National Health Service over the last 12 months compared with previous years.
§ Mr. FowlerI have today published an annual report on the Health Service in England. The report describes developments in the Health Service over the last five years, and some longer-term trends over the last decade.
The report shows that, over the last five years, substantial advances have been made in the provision of health care. The money spent on health services has doubled, and more and better treatment provided for patients. Inpatient cases rose by 12 per cent. over this period. Advances in treatment also mean that more is being done to help patients and that hospital stays are getting shorter. The hospital stock has been improved, with capital spending increased by 23 per cent. in real terms. Thirty-five schemes worth over £5 million each will be completed between 1980 and 1984, and 70 other major 1084W schemes are in planning or construction. Substantial progress is also being made in improving services in the community for old people, mentally ill and mentally handicapped people, including the trebling of the cash available for joint finance and the launch of a special "Care in the Community" initiative.
The management of the NHS is being strengthened, in particular through the implementation of the Griffiths inquiry and the development of accountability by health authorities.
Copies of the report have been placed in the Vote Office.