HC Deb 08 January 2002 vol 377 cc655-6W
Adam Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in the last two years in reducing incidents of bed blocking in the NHS. [23965]

Jacqui Smith

In September 1999 the rate of delayed discharge for patients over 75 was 12.8 per cent., while in September 2001 the comparable figure was 12.1 per cent. To increase the reduction further we are investing an additional £300 million over this year and next as part of a radical 'cash for change' programme in England. This is aimed at further reducing delayed discharges and targeted on the areas with the most serious problems.