HC Deb 25 November 1996 vol 286 c125W
Ms Jowell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients over 75 years of age have an average length of stay in an acute hospital bed of over four weeks. [4196]

Mr. Burns

The latest information available centrally shows that 289,010 patients with a length of stay over four weeks, and who were aged 75 years and over, were discharged after treatment in the acute sector—excluding geriatric and psychiatric sectors—in national health service hospitals in England in 1994–95.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department collates on the priorities in respect of allocation of hospital provision for the elderly in each London NHS trust; and if he will make a statement. [5152]

Mr. Burns

Information on the priorities of hospital provision for the elderly in individual national health service trusts is not held centrally. National health service care and treatment is open to everyone on the basis of clinical need, irrespective of age. It is for NHS bodies locally to ensure the availability and provision of appropriate services for local residents.