§ Mr. ViggersTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision of intensive care beds there is in the Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Health Authority area; and what estimate he has made of the changes in each of the next five years. [80571]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 13 April 1999]Intensive care provision in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Health Authority is at Portsmouth Hospitals National Health Service Trust. Results from a pilot census indicated that on 1 December 1998, Portsmouth NHS Trust had 10 general intensive care beds. A more reliable figure from the first full census of 31 March 1999 is expected to be available in May. Both figures give a snapshot on the census day and the actual number of intensive care beds on another day may be different.
In addition, there are up to a maximum of four general intensive care bed spaces based at the Royal Hospital Haslar.
The health authority are currently considering further provision of health services in the area following the proposed closure of the Royal Hospital Haslar in Gosport.