HC Deb 10 February 1997 vol 290 cc10-1W
Sir Ralph Howell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons hospital beds in Norfolk are currently being closed. [14824]

Mr. Horam

It is for health authorities and trusts locally to calculate the number of beds needed to respond to the needs of patients, taking account of a wide range of factors. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. John Alston, CBE, chairman of East Norfolk health authority and Mr. John Durance, chairman of North-West Anglia authority, for details of changes in bed provision for that area.

Sir Ralph Howell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many operations have been postponed in Norfolk in the last year for which figures are available. [14825]

Mr. Horam

The number of operations cancelled in Norfolk can be found in "Information on Cancelled Operations and Breaches of the Patient's Charter Standard". Copies of this document are available in the Library.