§ Mr. ColmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to build hospitals devoted to intermediate care. [8023]
§ Jacqui SmithThe NHS Plan set the target of an extra 5,000 intermediate care beds by 2003–04. These will be provided in a range of settings—in existing acute and community hospitals, in redesigned nursing homes or in purpose built facilities. The precise arrangements will be a matter for local decision. As part of our funding for intermediate care over the next two years, around £65 million will be for capital investment to support this development.