Ms Susan Clyne:

I want to make a couple of general points in response to some of the questions. We talk about the fact that the spend on healthcare is increasing without ever discussing the population, healthcare needs and what is being delivered. The spend will increase, but our spend is not even keeping pace with demand. In respect of the elderly, I accept the point with regard to the number of young people and people along the east coast. However, the point we are trying to make is that percentage of the population aged over 65 is increasing rapidly. This is not in any way to blame the elderly for using resources, it is to recognise the current needs and the future demographic needs of that population in the context of our health service.