asked the Minister for Health if he is advocating a reduction of seven-day beds to five-day beds in hospitals; and if he will outline the steps taken to implement this policy.
Written Answers. - Hospital Beds' Duration.
58.
I am very much in favour of increasing the amount of acute hospital care which is done on a one-day or five-day basis, since it is both more economically efficient and it allows the patient to remain in the community for the greatest possible amount of time during treatment.
In all hospitals where planning is at present in progress special emphasis is being placed on the provision of appropriate day wards. In addition, health boards are looking critically at their provision of hospital services in order to provide the greatest possible amount on a day basis.