§ Mr. Robin CookTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what are his Department's guidelines for(a) the provision of geriatric beds, (b) homes for the elderly and (c) home help staff per head of population.
§ Mr. MellorThe level of service provision is a matter for the local health authority or local social services authority respectively to decide. Authorities should take into account local needs and where appropriate, the potential contribution of voluntary, private and informal care.
The Department's planning guidelines to health authorities (circular HC (88) 43) state that they should provide an integrated range of services for elderly people, comprising community health services, acute geriatrics/ geriatric assessment, rehabilitation and continuing care.