§ 22. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health how many mentally deficient children are now on the waiting list for admission into suitable hospitals or institutions; and what progress has been made towards ensuring that no child who should be in such an institution, or receiving special care and oversight, has to await admission for long periods as at present, thus involving severe strain to the family.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithAt 31st December, 1958, the latest date for which figures are available, 2,827 children under 16 were awaiting admission to mental deficiency hospitals. During the seven years to the end of 1958, nearly 5,000 additional hospital beds for mental defectives of all ages were provided, and it is estimated that some 4,000 more beds will be added during the next four years.
§ Mr. SorensenMay I ask whether the right hon. and learned Gentleman will express an opinion regarding the last part of my Question? In any case, does he appreciate that, although there is this encouraging development both regarding recruitment of nurses and otherwise, there is still a large number of pitiful cases which have been waiting a long time for admission to hospital? Can the Minister say something more to indicate that these unfortunate patients will have an opportunity of admission to hospital pretty soon?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithAs I have explained, we are adding these additional 4,000 beds which will be provided at 12 hospitals as a result of the large scheme which I have announced. As the hon. Gentleman may know, the strain on families is, to some extent, mitigated by 1041 the procedure which we follow of admissions to hospitals for short periods in order to give the family a short rest or holiday.