§ Mr. FavellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the average length of in-patient stay on(a) 30 September 1979 and (b) 30 September 1988.
§ Mr. FreemanThe information requested is given in the table.
Average length of stay in days of patients treated in National Health Service hospitals in England (by sector of treatment) 1979 1988 Acute medical 11.2 8.2 Acute surgical 8.1 7.2 Geriatrics 77.5 41.4 Maternity 6.0 4.0 Sources:
1979—Hospital in-patient inquiry.
1988—Hospital episode system.
This information is drawn from Department of Health statistical bulletin 2/1/90 published in January 1990. Copies of the bulletin have been placed in the Library.