HC Deb 24 February 1958 vol 583 cc24-5
25 and 26. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that the greatest problem of our mental hospitals today is the improper admission of patients and that, though the forms of admission are in all cases legally correct, the medical reasons for compulsory hospital admission are either insufficient or unsuitable; and if he will take action forthwith to amend admission procedures;

(2) whether he is aware that the summary reception order providing for the certification of a person as of unsound mind and for the compulsory removal of that person to a mental hospital, which is in use under the provisions of the Lunacy Act, 1890, as amended, is of identical nature to that first used in the year 1853; and whether, in the light of the advances of medical science since that date, he will introduce regulations to alter this without delay.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I do not accept that patients are being admitted to mental hospitals without proper medical reasons, but I am considering the Royal Commission's recommendations for new procedures, which would require legislation.

Dr. Johnson

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that these complaints which I have received come from quite authoritative sources, medical superintendents as well as patients, and will he consider the question of admission procedure as something which is the essence of the solution of many of his problems in regard to mental hospitals? Particularly will he consider the admission form? Does he not appreciate that an unsatisfactory and sketchy form automatically leads to unsatisfactory and sketchy particulars being put upon it? Will he pay attention to that and, if there is any delay regarding legislation, will he alter the form by regulation?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for his helpful interest in this matter. It would not be possible to introduce changes recommended by the Royal Commission without altering the Acts, which, of course, would require legislation. The Government have already stated that they accept the need for legislation to replace the present Acts broadly on the basis suggested by the Royal Commission.

Mrs. Braddock

While waiting to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission, would not the Minister consider the possibility of proceeding in the first instance under the provisions of Section 20 of the appropriate Act instead of Section 16? Is he aware that that could be done without any new legislation and that the use of Section 20, which puts a patient during the first three days into the hands of fully qualified psychiatrists in the observation unit, would in many cases meet criticisms about admissions at present made under Section 16?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I am obliged to the hon. Lady, who I know speaks from a background of great knowledge of these matters from her membership of the Royal Commission. I will examine carefully the suggestion she has been good enough to make.