§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many care of the elderly beds were available in the Sunderland, Durham and Hartlepool health authorities each year since 1988.
§ Mr. YeoThe information is given in the table.
The fall in number of elderly care beds during this period is due to the provision of better alternative community-based services provided by Sunderland, Durham and Hartlepool health authorities, in accordance with the initiatives outlined in the White Paper "Caring for People".
Northern Region Average available beds for elderly patients (KHO3 Statistics) Mental illness elderly General elderly Short stay Long stay 1987–88 Durham 236 17 — Sunderland 409 146 187 Hartlepool 158 3 21 1988–89 Durham 184 35 — Sunderland 380 59 304 Hartlepool 167 9 3 1989–90 Durham 188 35 — Sunderland 389 59 286 Hartlepool 155 9 3 1990–91 Durham 182 18 17 Sunderland 384 59 193 Hartlepool 155 9 3 1991–92 Durham 145 18 17 Sunderland 371 60 161 Hartlepool 153 9 3