§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many beds dealing with incontinence are available in Scotland in(a) all service hospitals, (b) general hospitals, (c) specialist hospitals, (d) teaching hospitals and (e) hospitals in other categories. [77009]
§ Mr. GalbraithIt is not possible to say how many beds are available for dealing with incontinence in Scotland, as most treatment is now carried out on an out-patient basis by specialist nurses and physiotherapists. Patients rarely require in-patient treatment for incontinence per se, but may require to be admitted for treatment of the underlying cause of the incontinence. The causes of incontinence are wide ranging, and treatment therefore takes place in many different settings. Beds are not specifically set aside for treatment of incontinence, in the same way as they are not specifically set aside for many other conditions.
From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.