Written question asked by Adrian Flook (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 June 2002. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 10 June 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement about the change in the number of care home beds in Somerset since 1997. - Inc table.

Answer: Mr. Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the change in the number of care home beds in Somerset since 1997. [59354] Jacqui Smith: The table shows the number of places in residential care homes and registered beds in nursing homes, private hospitals and clinics in Somerset area in 1997 and 2001. The total number of beds has increased by just over 11 per cent. between 1997 and 2001. Residential places{ 1} and registered nursing beds{ 2} in Somerset area in 1997 and 2001 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. At 31 March Places in residential care Registered nursing beds in Total care beds homes nursing homes{ 3,4} 1997 3,380 2,632 6,012 2001 4,101 2,580 6,681 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. {1} Places registered within Somerset local authority, exclude children beds. {2} Beds registered within Somerset health authority, all client groups. {3} Registered beds in general and mental nursing homes, private hospitals and clinics. {4} Figures for registered nursing beds relates to registered beds during the period 1 October 1996 to 31 March 1997. Source: Department of Health's annual returns.

Secondary information