HC Deb 06 July 1999 vol 334 c489W
21. Dr. Iddon

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what improvements he proposes to make to the quality and provision of mental health services. [88258]

Mr. Hutton

The National Service Framework, to be published shortly, will set national standards and issue clear and robust guidance that will seek to address regional variations in the provision of clinical and cost effective treatments through the publication of service standards. The Framework will focus on consistent, quality care delivered by safe, sound and supportive services.

Mr. Sawford

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many intensive care beds were available to admit new patients detained under the Mental Health Acts on 16, 17 and 18 May. [88829]

Mr. Hutton

The Department does not collect information on the number of available beds on a daily basis. It requests data on the availability and occupancy of National Health Service beds in mental illness wards and, by way of the central return ICH03, produces information on an annual basis from each NHS trust.