HC Deb 28 January 1994 vol 236 cc463-4W
Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make it his policy to increase the number and availability of paediatric intensive care unit beds;

(2) if he will order a review in each health board area of the provision of children's intensive care; and if he will consider designating sites as area paediatric intensive care units;

(3) what is his policy on the ratio of paediatric intensive care unit beds to the population of children aged under 14 years;

(4) if he will require purchasers and providers to meet agreed standards for the provision of paediatric intensive care beds.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 27 January 1994]: It is a matter for health boards to purchase paediatric intensive care based on their assessment of local needs.

Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the extent of the shortfall of paediatric intensive care unit beds.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 27 January 1994]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 10 December 1993, Official Report, column 353.