§ 1992. Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds were available in Ponteland hospital, Northumberland(a) in 1991 and (b)
§ Mr. YeoPonteland is a geriatric hospital with an overall capacity of 61 beds. Since 1990 the number of beds occupied has declined to between 32 and 38 for continuing care patients. Newcastle district health authority has replaced the continuing care service provided by Ponteland hospital with the purchase of 38 nursing home beds.