HC Deb 11 November 1998 vol 319 c227W
Mr. Salter

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of reductions in health visitor services for the elderly on(a) bed blocking in hospitals and (b) hospital waiting lists; and if he will make a statement. [59047]

Ms Jowell

We have undertaken no such assessment.

This month, on 3 November 1998, Official Report, column 688, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a further £250 million for the National Health Service (£209 million for England). This money provides further investment for the long-term as well as additional help for this coming winter.

We are committed to improving the quality of life for older people and recently announced that the next national service framework will be for older people. Our better services for vulnerable people initiative requires health and local authorities to develop joint investment plans, recuperation and rehabilitation services for older people and improved procedures for multidisciplinary assessment of older people. Our review of hospital discharge guidance will include consideration of how we can resolve the difficulties around delayed discharge.