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Fall in hospital beds in Wales Fall in Welsh NHS hospital beds
(3 days later)
The number of hospital beds in the health service in Wales has fallen according to the latest annual figures. The number of hospital beds in the health service in Wales has fallen, according to the latest annual figures.
The assembly government statistics also show a rise in the average time a patient stays in an acute bed.The assembly government statistics also show a rise in the average time a patient stays in an acute bed.
Opposition parties say the figures highlight major failings in the assembly government health policies Opposition parties say the figures highlight major failings in the assembly government health policies.
But the assembly government says despite fewer beds the NHS is becoming more efficient and able to treat patients quicker than ever before.But the assembly government says despite fewer beds the NHS is becoming more efficient and able to treat patients quicker than ever before.
The figures show that the number of NHS beds in Wales fell by 229 - or 1.7% - to 13,354 in the 12 months to April 2008, compared with the previous financial year.The figures show that the number of NHS beds in Wales fell by 229 - or 1.7% - to 13,354 in the 12 months to April 2008, compared with the previous financial year.
Considering the number of NHS beds alone is not a good way to judge the health service Welsh Assembly Government spokesmanConsidering the number of NHS beds alone is not a good way to judge the health service Welsh Assembly Government spokesman
The number of acute beds fell by even more 303 - or 3.2% - to 9,041.The number of acute beds fell by even more 303 - or 3.2% - to 9,041.
Over the 10 years ending March 2008, the number of NHS beds fell by 1,840 - or 12%.Over the 10 years ending March 2008, the number of NHS beds fell by 1,840 - or 12%.
During that time the percentage of beds being occupied increased from 78.7% to 82.8%, while the average duration of stay in acute beds increased from 6.0 to 6.4 days.During that time the percentage of beds being occupied increased from 78.7% to 82.8%, while the average duration of stay in acute beds increased from 6.0 to 6.4 days.
An assembly government spokesperson said the figures reflected a different strategy in health care.An assembly government spokesperson said the figures reflected a different strategy in health care.
"Changing trends in how patient care is delivered, such as more day surgery, increased bed-occupancy and managing chronic conditions in the community mean that considering the number of NHS beds alone is not a good way to judge the health service," he said."Changing trends in how patient care is delivered, such as more day surgery, increased bed-occupancy and managing chronic conditions in the community mean that considering the number of NHS beds alone is not a good way to judge the health service," he said.
"Increased bed-occupancy levels also show that the NHS in Wales is making more efficient use of the resources available.""Increased bed-occupancy levels also show that the NHS in Wales is making more efficient use of the resources available."
The Conservatives said the assembly coalition government was not getting to grips with the problem of bed-blocking.The Conservatives said the assembly coalition government was not getting to grips with the problem of bed-blocking.
"Labour and Plaid must ensure that capacity meets demand or people across Wales will be rightly worried about standards of patient care - especially at this time of year when pressure on the health service always increases," said Jonathan Morgan, AM, shadow health minister."Labour and Plaid must ensure that capacity meets demand or people across Wales will be rightly worried about standards of patient care - especially at this time of year when pressure on the health service always increases," said Jonathan Morgan, AM, shadow health minister.
The Liberal Democrats health spokesperson Jenny Randerson said the figures showed the NHS was heading in the wrong direction. Liberal Democrat Jenny Randerson said the figures showed the NHS was heading in the wrong direction.
"These figures paint a pretty clear picture of the way the NHS has been asset-stripped over ten years of Labour Government," said Mrs Randerson."These figures paint a pretty clear picture of the way the NHS has been asset-stripped over ten years of Labour Government," said Mrs Randerson.
"The total number of beds has fallen year on year and the most recent figures show this trend is likely to continue.""The total number of beds has fallen year on year and the most recent figures show this trend is likely to continue."
The assembly government also underlined its commitment to a hospital building programme in South Wales.The assembly government also underlined its commitment to a hospital building programme in South Wales.
Four hospitals have been approved recently in the south Wales valleys.Four hospitals have been approved recently in the south Wales valleys.
Plans were approved earlier in October for a new £172.7m hospital in Caerphilly with 225 beds.Plans were approved earlier in October for a new £172.7m hospital in Caerphilly with 225 beds.