HC Deb 12 March 2002 vol 381 cc1010-1W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received concerning bed blocking of old age psychiatry beds(a) in the UK and (b) in North Yorkshire. [36917]

Jacqui Smith

I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

Discharges from old age psychiatry beds can be delayed because of difficulties in finding suitable ongoing care for these patients. Standard 7 of the national service framework for older people requires that older people who have mental health problems should have access to integrated mental health services provided by the national health service and councils to ensure effective diagnosis, treatment and support, for them and their carers. Implementing the requirements of Standard 7 will minimise the problems of delayed discharges from old age psychiatry beds. In addition, we are planning to encourage the provision of intermediate care services which meet the needs of people suffering from dementia.

Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the extent of bed blocking in the south-east; and what action he is taking to reduce it. [6257]

Jacqui Smith

[holding answer 15 October 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

Tackling delayed transfers of care is a high priority throughout the south-east region. Addressing delayed transfers of care features strongly in both performance improvement plans and local modernisation reviews in the south-east. To support this work, over £14 million of additional funding was allocated to local authorities within the south-east this year and over £36 million allocated next year to tackle bed blocking.

A joint social care/national health service regional strategic group has been established to identify specific actions that can be taken to improve availability within the residential and nursing home market. It will also produce a planning model for intermediate care in the south-east.

Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of acute beds are blocked in each health authority in England. [37480]

Jacqui Smith

[holding answer 5 March 2002]: The information requested has been placed in the Library.