To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many level three intensive care cots were available for neo-natal care in each of the acute hospital trusts in the South Central Strategic Health Authority area in each year since 2001; and if he will make a statement. (218627)

The average daily number of available beds in neonatal intensive care wards (also known as level three wards) for national health service acute providers in the South Central Strategic Health Authority (SHA) area can be found in the following table. There have been concerns raised recently about the definitions used for neonatal intensive care cots in the KH03 data return. The concerns have been around the use of the ward type where the cot is located as part of the definition. This has caused confusion amongst some trusts about where to record their neonatal intensive care cots and has caused inconsistency in reporting. These concerns will be investigated with the view of ensuring a robust and clear definition is developed for the 2008-09 collection.

It is for the neonatal networks, commissioners and SHAs to work together to ensure there is sufficient capacity within the system to meet local demand.