§ 26. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in securing suitable institutional accommodation for mentally defective children and adults in the administrative county of Essex; and approximately how many are still awaiting such accommodation.
§ Mr. VosperThe regional hospital board has provided 214 additional beds for mentally defective children and 148 for adults since 1948, most of which are occupied by patients from Essex. It is hoped to provide a further 214 beds for children and 88 for adults over the next three or four years. One hundred and seventy-nine children and 170 adults in Essex are at present awaiting accommodation.
§ Mr. SorensenExactly how long will it be before these patients who are awaiting suitable accommodation will have their needs met?
§ Mr. VosperThe majority of these beds are being provided, I understand, at South Ockendon Hospital. Some of them will come into use straight away, but some will not be ready for about three years.