'C' CLASS BEDS IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS

Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Health if he will give the number of 'C' class beds maintained in government hospitals for the years 1970, 1975, 1980 and 1985, hospital by hospital.

Dr Richard Hu Tsu Tau: The number of Class C beds in each of the Government hospitals for the years 1970, 1975, 1980 and 1985 is shown in Appendix I (Cols. 823 - 824). Appendix I - CLASS 'C' BEDS IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS (Cols. 823 - 824)

The reduction in the number of Class C beds in the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) between the years 1980 and 1985 is due to the development of the new SGH in which a substantial number of C Class wards were upgraded to Class B1 wards with improved modern facilities. Please see Appendix II (Cols. 825 - 826). Appendix II - SINGAPORE GENERAL HOSPITAL NO. OF BEDS BY CLASS, 1980 & 1985 (Cols. 825 - 826)

In spite of the reduced number of Class C beds in SGH, the demand for such beds, as reflected by their occupancy rate, has fallen from 73% in 1980 to 67% in 1985.