Nigel Edwards, Director of Policy at the NHS Confederation which represents over 90 per cent of NHS organisations, said:

"The reduction in the number of beds in the NHS is not a new trend. Figures show that the number of beds has fallen by 40 per cent since 1959 because of developments in technology and changes in the way we treat patients not because deficits. High bed numbers do not necessarily mean better patient care. We should judge the NHS on how many people we make better and keep well.

"The Conservatives are quite right to point out that if we are going to continue to see this downward trend in the number of NHS beds, this must be done safely and with adequate provision of health services in the community. We agree that it is very important that bed occupancy rates are kept within the parameters of what is safe to reduce the likelihood of infection for those patients that have to stay in hospital.

"The NHS is doing more than ever before whilst the number of beds is reducing. What we need now is a well-informed debate which is based on evidence of what is best for patients."

The NHS Confederation represents more than 90% of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.

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