§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many intensive care beds and high dependency beds there were within the NHS in each of the last three years; and how many of each category he expects to be maintained over the next two years. [98755]
§ Ms StuartInformation on the average daily number of beds by ward classification is included in "Bed Availability and Occupancy, England" copies of which are available in the Library.
A ward classed as 'intensive care' may contain high dependency beds and general beds depending on the arrangements for critical care services within individual National Health Service trusts. The figures therefore overstate the number of intensive care beds. For this reason, we have piloted a new census focusing on adult intensive care and high dependency beds, the results of which we will publish in due course.
Health authorities and NHS trusts are finalising plans for more adult intensive care and high dependency beds for this year than last, particularly over the crucial winter period.