HC Deb 22 June 1999 vol 333 cc331-2W
Mr. Öpik

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many hospital beds in Wales are occupied by patients of pensionable age who could be discharged from hospital if alternative care provision existed; and if he will make a statement. [86843]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

The latest available information relating to delayed discharges from hospital is shown by NHS trust in the following table. An age breakdown is not available. Information relates to a chosen day in January 1999 (usually 31 January 1999), as reported in local authority responses to the Survey of Delayed Discharges from Hospital. The survey requested information on the number of hospital patients known to local authority social services departments, who were medically fit to be discharged, but were still occupying a hospital bed. All patients medically fit to be discharged are counted; this may include patients whose delay came within agreed timescales for the discharge process.

NHS trust Number of delayed discharges January 1999
Bridgend and District 5
Cardiff Community Healthcare 8
Carmarthen and District 12
Ceredigion and Mid Wales 4
Clwydian Community Care 17
East Glamorgan 1
Glan Clwyd General Hospital 16
Glan Hafren 111
Glan-y-MÖr 31
Gwent Health Care1 27
Gwynedd Community2 26
Gwynedd Hospitals 7
Llandough Hospital 12
Llanelli Dinefwr 20
Morriston Hospital 69
Nevill Hall and District 31
North Glamorgan 28
Pembrokeshire and Derwen 5
Powys Health Care 12
Rhondda Health Care 32
Swansea 38
University Hospital of Wales Healthcare 68
Velindre 1
Wrexham Maelor Hospital 9
Total 590
1As reported by Caerphilly County Borough Council on post April 1999 trust basis
2Includes 6 patients with delayed discharges at February 1999

Following the transfer of functions this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.