HC Deb 13 March 2001 vol 364 c588W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he proposes to end bed blocking in acute hospitals. [151972]

Mr. Hutton

We are providing new intermediate care services, which will enable patients who are ready to be discharged to move on from hospital. Additionally, further resources of £103 million have been made available this winter to enable the National Health Service and social services to expand capacity and reduce delayed discharges. This will enable the current downward trend in delayed discharges to continue.