§ 21. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health if disciplinary action has been taken or contemplated against those responsible for the conveying of mental patients from Darenth Hospital to and from their outdoor work in open lorries during the whole period of the severe 645 weather experienced in December, 1950, despite assurances given following complaints in 1949.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Marquand)After inquiring into this matter I do not consider that disciplinary action is called for; but further steps have been taken to ensure that the conveyances shall be properly covered during inclement weather.
§ Mr. DoddsWhile that reply will give some satisfaction, does my right hon. Friend realise that it is incidents of this sort which create concern about what happens inside the walls of the institution? Will the Minister, next winter, arrange that when the weather is very cold there will be early morning outings in open lorries for the officials, so that they will appreciate this point of view?
§ 34. Miss Hornsby-Smithasked the Minister of Health what is the number of patients in Darenth Park Mental Hospital; the recognised number for a full complement of staff; and the number of staff at the present time.
§ Mr. MarquandThe number of patients now resident at Darenth Park Mental Deficiency Institution is 1,791 (1,084 male and 707 female patients). The nursing staff establishment provides for 148 male and 154 female nurses. At present, the male staff is 110 and the female staff 56 full-time and 66 part-time.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithIn view of the public concern at the recent escapes from this mental hospital, would the Minister take active steps to bring up to strength this very much under-staffed institution, not only to relieve the present overworked staff, but also to provide adequate protection against such escapes in future?
§ Mr. MarquandIt is true, unfortunately, that mental hospitals all over the country lack staff. We do all we can to encourage nurses to go to such hospitals.
§ 35. Miss Hornsby-Smithasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the escape of two patients from Darenth Park Mental Hospital and the subsequent assault on one of the hospital staff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarquandYes, Sir, but as the case of the patients concerned is now the 646 subject of criminal proceedings, the hon. Member will understand that I cannot at present make any statement.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithCould the right hon. Gentleman at any rate assure the House that instructions may be given to ensure that in future, when staff are sent to bring back escaped patients, the driver is given adequate protection and is not sent in an ordinary private vehicle, in which a driver or male nurse has no protection whatever from the reluctant patients he is bringing back?
§ Mr. MarquandI have already said that it would be unwise for me to comment further. I am not quite certain whether what the hon. Member says is a strict account of the facts. We must allow the court to examine this case.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes my right hon Friend appreciate that this is the same institution where cruelty was caused to patients by taking them out in open lorries?