§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he is taking to increase the number of palliative care beds in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [144451]
§ Angela SmithIn March 2003 the Department asked Health and Social Services Boards to undertake an assessment of need for additional capacity in inpatient palliative care. This work is expected to be completed by autumn 2004. In addition, the Regional Cancer Services Framework Steering Group, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, will be considering, among other things, the future development of palliative care, including the level of inpatient palliative care.