§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they intend to take in Northern Ireland to correct the shortage of intensive care beds in the Health Service; whether one of the steps could be the creation of more high dependency beds; and whether they will provide any resources additional to those available currently. [HL2181]
§ The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)The provision of intensive care and high dependency services was reviewed recently by the 49WA Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland. She has recommended that eight new intensive care beds and 50 additional high dependency beds should be provided to ensure that adequate levels of these services are available. Of the additional £53 million allocated to the Health and Social Services in Northern Ireland as a result of this year's budget, a total of £17 million has been earmarked for hospital services, including intensive care and high dependency provision.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
When the report from the working party looking at intensive care and high dependency provision in Northern Ireland will be available. [HL2182]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe provision of intensive care and high dependency services was reviewed recently by the Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland and the report is now available. I shall arrange for a copy to be sent to the noble Lord.