HC Deb 14 January 1991 vol 183 c401W
Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many acute hospital beds pro rata to its population each health board in Northern Ireland provides; and whether he will take steps to remove any inequality of provision.

Mr. Hanley

The figures requested are as follows:

HSS Board Available Acute Beds per 1,000 population (1989–90)
Eastern 5.1
Northern 2.5
Southern 2.8
Western 2.7

The high level of provision in the Eastern board area reflects the inclusion of beds for regional medical services there. All hospitals often provide care to patients outside own board areas.