HC Deb 09 July 2001 vol 371 cc334-5W
Mr. Gareth R. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the level of occupancy of all acute mental health units in London(a) in the last month for which figures are available and (b) in the same month in each of the previous five years. [413]

Jacqui Smith

The information available is not collected in the format requested. Figures for London can be identified for 1998–99 and 1999–2000 when the National Health Service Executive, London regional office was in existence. Prior to this 'London' cannot be identified. The table shows bed occupancy for wards classified as mental illness in London NHS Trusts for 1998–99 and 1999–2000.

(2) what assessment he has made of the impact of standards 21.3 and 22.2 of the "National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People" on the availability of beds in residential care and nursing homes; and if he will place it in the Library; [923]

(3) what estimate he has made of the impact on the number of care homes of the requirement of complying with the "National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People"; [924]

(4) what estimate he has made of the average amount that each care home will have to spend in order to comply with the "National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People". [925]

Jacqui Smith

National minimum standards will ensure that care provision is fit for the purpose and meets the assessed needs of residents.

The need for provision of particular facilities such as passenger lifts and the costs associated with their installation will vary from home to home.

In setting these standards we listened to the concerns of providers and produced a sensible set of standards which give providers a reasonable time to adapt, and achieved the support of national organisations representing consumers and providers. We made a number of specific changes to the proposed standards in response to the concerns raised in the comments we received. I am confident that these decisions will ensure that any improvements in the quality of care homes necessary will be achieved smoothly, and that stability in the care homes sector and sufficient capacity is maintained while changes are made.