Certified Patients

HC Deb 02 July 1956 vol 555 cc979-80

23. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Minister of Health how many persons during 1954 and 1955 were certified as of unsound mind and admitted to involuntary detention in mental hospitals; and what proportion were admitted direct and what proportion after an intermediary period in the mental observation ward of a general hospital.

Mr. Turton

Certified patients admitted to mental hospitals during 1954 and 1955 were 20,256 and 19,098, respectively. Of these totals the proportions admitted after a period of observation in a general hospital were 15 and 14 per cent., respectively.

Dr. Johnson

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the inconsistency whereby, on the one hand, he has overcrowded mental hospitals, while on the other hand certified patients are being admitted to them—and, of course, involuntary patients—without a proper period of observation? Will my right hon. Friend consider extending these observation wards in general hospitals? He could do it at comparatively little cost and would be probably compensated by a considerable saving in mental hospitals as a whole, and accommodation?

Mr. Turton

My Answer dealt with observation wards in general hospitals. In addition, there is a proportion admitted after a period in observation wards in mental hospitals. If we include them, the proportions would be 36 per cent. and 37 per cent. respectively.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will the right hon. Gentleman make sure that he gets sufficient capital resources from the Chancellor of the Exchequer to carry on the work?

Dr. Summerskill

Is the Minister not concerned that 60 per cent. of the certified patients are sent into hospital without observation? Is he not concerned about that, and what does he propose to do about it?

Mr. Turton

This does vary in different parts of the country. I do not think that this is a matter for quite the concern which the right hon. Lady expresses, but I will certainly have another look at it. With regard to the point made by the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Blenkinsop), we are, as he is well aware, conducting a hospital building programme which will increase the amount of accommodation in mental and mental deficiency hospitals.