§ 78. Mr. KINLEYasked the Minister of Health what course or courses of treatment are in use in public mental hospitals; and whether all patients are subjected to the same course of treatment?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI am afraid that it is impossible within the limits of a Parliamentary answer to describe the courses of treatment given in public mental hospitals. These vary according to the needs of the individual patient. The answer, therefore, to the second part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. KINLEYCan the Minister of Health assure the House that asylums in every case have a definite course of treatment to which patients are subjected?
§ Mr. GREENWOODUntil I learn of cases to the contrary, I must say that that is so. If the hon. Member has a case in mind, I shall be glad if he will let me have particulars.
§ 79. Mr. KINLEYasked the Minister of Health whether steps can be taken whereby certified patients committed to institutions can be released in order to receive treatment by registered medical practitioners or by out-patient departments set up by local authorities?
§ Mr. GREENWOODStatutory provision already exists under which patients who no longer require institutional treatment can be discharged or released on trial for the purposes indicated in my hon. Friend's question.
§ Mr. KINLEYMay I ask whether a patient can be released on the application of his or her friends, provided medical attention is forthcoming outside, if the friends are dissatisfied with the treatment in the asylum?
§ Mr. GREENWOODPeople can be released from institutions of this kind if they fulfil the rules of the Control Board.