§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many coronary care beds and high-dependency beds there were in England in each of the last 14 years.
§ Mr. SackvilleThis information is not available centrally. A study into intensive care provision showed that in 1991–92 there were at least 356 high-dependency beds and at least 879 coronary care unit beds in England; this is the only year for which such information is held centrally.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the difference between an acute ward and a coronary care unit; and what research has been undertaken in relation to outcome for patients with the same heart condition placed on these two types of wards.
§ Mr. SackvilleAn acute ward is a medical ward taking the range of medical admissions. A coronary care unit is a small ward specially staffed and equipped for the care of acutely ill patients who have suffered or are suspected of having suffered a heart attack. Any hospital that takes acute admissions will have coronary care facilities, and if a patient needing those facilities cannot be accommodated in a coronary care unit for any reason they will normally be accommodated in an acute medical ward where they will 327W receive the same treatment and care as they would in a coronary care unit. No information is available centrally of any study into outcomes for patients with the same heart condition placed on these two types of wards.