§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many special and intensive care units for babies have had(a) the number of beds reduced and (b) wards closed, in the Leeds Western health authority for each of the past five years;
(2) what is the total number of places in special and intensive care units for babies in the Leeds Western health authority; and what was the corresponding figure for 1983.
§ Mrs. Currie[holding answer 3 May 1988]: Leeds Western health authority is responsible for the provision of the health services indicated but I am advised that in 1983 there were 29 special care baby unit cots available at the Leeds maternity hospital and four neonatal intensive care cots at the general infirmary. These services transferred to the Clarendon wing at the general infirmary in 1983. Improved facilities and changes in medical practice have resulted in a different bed mix. There are currently 20 SCBU cots, six neonatal intensive care cots, and seven "transitional care beds" which are associated with more intensive nursing than would usually be required: a total, as in 1983, of 33. For further details the hon. Member may wish to approach the chairman of Leeds Western health authority.