§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the average bed occupancy rate was at NHS units in Chesham and Amersham in each of the last six years since 1 May 1996; [81200]
236W(2)if he will make a statement on progress on cancelled operations and appointments at NHS units in the Chesham and Amersham constituency in the last 12 months; [81194]
(3)how many acute beds there were in (a) Chesham and Amersham and (b) Buckinghamshire in each year since 1 January 1996; and how many he expects there to be in the next 12 months. [81198]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 19 November2002]: Information is not collected centrally, or by Thames Valley health authority, at constituency level. Information on bed numbers and occupancy together with details of cancelled operations for the three Buckinghamshire acute trusts has been placed in the Library.
On the progress made on cancelled operations and appointments, I am advised by Thames Valley Strategic health authority that the acute trust providing care for Chesham and Amersham constituents, South Buckinghamshire national health service trust, has performed well. In terms of cancelled operations, information for Quarter 1 of 2002–03 shows no last minute cancellations for non-clinical reasons.