§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what provisions have been made to provide improved health care facilities for the elderly in Wales.
§ Mr. David HuntIn addition to services provided specifically for them, the elderly have benefited from the considerable improvements made to health services in general. Since 1978–79, 41 per cent. more revenue resources in real terms have been provided and between September 1979 and September 1989 over 18 per cent. more staff directly concerned with patient care. Throughput of in-patients increased by 31 per cent. and new out-patients by 22 per cent. between 1979–80 and 1988–89. Further improvements are in prospect under the reforms proposed in the National Health Service and Community Care Bill. In addition, the Department's initiative on the elderly in Wales has funded demonstration projects testing out new ways of providing the elderly with health and social care.