Hansard

Health: Mental Health Beds

Volume 690: debated on Tuesday 13 March 2007

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Lord Hanningfield

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the reduction in the number of secure mental health beds available in the East of England region since 1996. [HL1139]

The Minister of State, Department of Health
(Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)

In 1996-97, there were daily on average 118 secure mental health beds available in the East of England area. In 2006-07, there were daily on average 203 secure mental health beds available in the same area. That represents an increase of 85 beds.

The East of England area is defined by the new East of England strategic health authorities (SHA). Note that these beds are from mental health providers in the East of England area, so they may not all be available for residents within the SHA boundary and there may be beds outside the East of England area that are used for residents within the SHA boundary. That can be due to the placement needs of individuals.