§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people received intermediate care services in 1999–2000; how his Department will ensure that the NHS and local councils are able to achieve the target set in the NHS Plan Implementation Programme for the number of people who will receive intermediate care beds in 2001–02; and how this target will be broken down regionally. [145348]
§ Mr. HuttonComplete and reliable data on the number of people receiving intermediate care services in 1999–2000 are not currently available. Guidance on intermediate care, to be issued shortly, will clarify the definition and data for 1999–2000 will be collected to establish a baseline for monitoring progress towards the targets in the NHS Plan Implementation Programme.
Further clarification and guidance will be available in the forthcoming intermediate care guidance, planning guidance following the national beds inquiry and the National Service Framework for Older People.
The Department is currently developing regional targets for intermediate care. Progress towards meeting the targets will be monitored through the regional performance management process.