§ 11. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Health how many regional hospital boards employ full-time and how many part-time regional psychiatrists; and if he will state the names of those boards which do not employ a regional psychiatrist.
§ Mr. TurtonFive regional hospital boards employ full-time and three employ part-time regional psychiatrists. The boards which do not employ a regional psychiatrist are the Oxford, South-Western, Welsh, Birmingham Manchester and Liverpool regional hospital boards.
§ Mr. RobinsonDoes the Minister not think it is very difficult for a regional hospital board to plan mental health services, unless it enjoys the advantage of the services of a psychiatrist as a senior officer of the board? Will he not use his influence at any rate to try to persuade the remaining boards to appoint regional psychiatrists?
§ Mr. TurtonI am at present discussing the future of the post of regional psychiatrists with regional hospital boards.