HC Deb 28 March 2003 vol 402 cc443-4W
Mr. Stevenson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to reduce bed blocking in North Staffordshire. [104148]

Jacqui Smith

Representatives from the four North Staffordshire primary care trusts met together with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council over the last month to discuss arrangements for increasing the number of available beds in North Staffordshire. A series of measures has been agreed including extra funding from uncommitted joint health and social care funds. Five beds have also been made available at Weston Coyney Assessment Centre (a residential home covered by South Stoke PCT) and qualified professional support will be provided by the local PCTs through the intermediate care team.