§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many hospital beds have been lost in Wales since 1979.
§ Mr. GristBetween the calendar year 1979 and the financial year 1989–90 the number of average daily available beds fell by 3,600. Over the same period the number of in-patients treated rose by 125,800— + 36 per cent.—and the number of day cases rose by 54,800—+ 176 per cent.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many hospital wards are proposed for closure in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristThe information held centrally relates only to proposed closures which are at present the subject of formal consultation. On this basis, and including those cases where consultation has ended but a final decision has yet to be made, 52 hospital wards are subject to closure proposals. Of these, 25 are linked to the planned development of a new district general hospital for the people of Taff-Ely and the Rhondda.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many hospitals have closed since 1980.
§ Mr. GristSince 1 January 1980 the number of hospitals that have closed, and are still closed, is 21. However, during the same period eight hospitals, including five district general hospitals, have opened.