§ 26. Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what facilities are presently provided in Lanarkshire for the separate assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of young chronic sick patients; and what progress in Lanarkshire has been made in terms of Section 17 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 for the effective separation of younger from older hospital patients.
§ Mr. MonroAssessment is carried out mainly in the clinical departments of general hospitals, and there are day places in Coathill and a few beds in Broomhill and Lanfine Hospitals for assessment and rehabilitation. Beds for continuing care are available at Broomhill and Lanfine. In the years 1970, 1971 and 1972 there 413 were respectively 100, 97 and 88 younger chronically sick patients who, in terms of the Act, were inappropriately placed in hospital.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that my information, coming from Lanarkshire, is that such facilities as are supposed to exist can scarcely be found? In view of the great concern about this problem, will the hon. Gentleman be ready to meet me and perhaps one other, to discuss what may be done in Lanarkshire?
§ Mr. MonroI am always willing to meet the hon. Gentleman on any topics concerning his constituency. The original assessment centre at Cowglen should begin construction next year at a cost of £250,000, and an extension at the Wester Moffat Hospital at Airdrie is under way at present.