Editor - Walley and colleagues recently highlighted the problem of reduced bed capacity which has an impact on coping with healthcare demand (Clin Med February 2010 pp 13-5). I would like to comment on the long-term planning and that bed requirements are based on average demand and average length of stay, the author felt that this can create a problem as once there is random variation in demand and staff capacity, bed shortages will occur. I do not feel that we have a bed shortage in England. However, the discharge process is patchy and lengthy and there is a lack of coordination between hospital staff or secondary care and primary care as well as between NHS and social services.
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