HC Deb 12 May 1959 vol 605 c1029
21 and 22. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) the principle upon which his Department acts in allocating patients to Caldwell House, Uplamoor, and Woodlands House, respectively; and to what extent he takes into account in each case the place of residence of the patient's parents, relations and friends, for the purpose of facilitating their visits to the patients

(2) the principle on which his Department acts in arranging the transfer of patients from Caldwell House to Woodlands House, and vice versa, and in arranging the exchange of patients from one to the other; how many such transfers and exchanges have taken place during each of the last five years; and how far in effecting such transfers and exchanges, the expressed wishes of the patients' relations and friends are usually, and actually have been, taken into account by his Department.

Mr. J. N. Browne

The admission of patients is arranged by the physician superintendents of the institutions. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that they are guided by the best interests of the patients and, so far as resources permit, take full account of the matters to which the Questions refer. There have been no transfers between Caldwell House and Woodlands in the last five years, but my right hon. Friend will be glad to look into any particular case.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister realise that these two homes are nearly 200 miles apart and that when patients are placed in homes distant from the residence of their parents, fatigue and expense are caused to their parents when visiting them? What steps are being taken to ensure that patients are placed in homes near the residence of their parents?

Mr. Browne

We would, of course, try to ensure that that was done as far as possible. There may be considerations about the mental and physical condition of the patient. If, however, the hon. and learned Member has any particular case in mind, I will be most willing to look into it.