Written question asked by David Nicholson (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Horam (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: If he will comment on the availability of emergency beds in NHS hospitals during (a) the current winter and (b) the winter of 1995-96; and what measures he is taking, or has taken, to ensure availability when required. - Inc ref to "Bed Availability for England 1995-96" in Library.

Answer: Mr. David Nicholson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the availability of emergency beds in NHS hospitals during (a) the current winter and (b) the winter of 1995-96; and what measures he is taking, or has taken, to ensure availability when required. [18458] Mr. Horam: In the national health service, use of beds is not necessarily limited to either emergency or elective patients and therefore the number of "emergency beds" is not recorded centrally. The most recent information on acute bed availability can be found in "Bed Availability for England 1995-96", copies of which can be found in the Library.

Secondary information