It has grown to 13 members who collectively provide 700 acute beds in the greater New York area.

This estimate suggests that 8 per cent of acute beds were being 'blocked' by these patients.

However, it is very rare indeed for the question about the inappropriate use of acute beds by younger patients to be raised.

As with the use of acute beds there has been a significant increase in utilisation by older people during the years 1976 - 86.

The health sector provides community nursing, long-stay care and day hospital places as well as acute beds.

When it comes to hospital closures and downgrades, the touchstone is how many acute beds we have at present.

The numbers of acute beds that a service needs has long been a contentious issue.

There aren't that many acute adolescent beds available anymore.

The hospital currently has just under 1000 acute beds and a 31-bed medical assessment unit.

It is licensed for 683 acute and rehab care beds.