§ 12. Miss Herbisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many fully qualified occupational therapists are employed in mental hospitals in Scotland.
§ Mr. MaclayForty-seven whole-time and one part-time fully qualified occupational therapists are employed in mental hospitals in Scotland.
§ Miss HerbisonIs the right horn. Gentleman satisfied that that number is 10 sufficient? Is he aware that the work of the occupational therapist plays a vital part in the treatment of the mentally ill? What steps does he propose to take to provide a reasonable supply of occupational therapists for Scotland?
§ Mr. MaclayI agree that that there is room for improvement. My Department has asked the Western Regional Hospital Board to consider the matter of a training school for occupational therapists in Glasgow. We are also in touch with the Scottish Association of Occupational Therapists about other long-term measures to improve the position.
§ Miss HerbisonWhen does the Minister expect to have a reply from the Western Regional Hospital Board? Will he ensure that it will not take as long to consider this question as it has taken to consider the question of centres for the treatment of rheumatism?
§ Mr. MaclayI hope that we shall receive a reply shortly.
§ 13. Miss Herbisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many fully qualified occupational therapists are employed in Hartwood and Hartwoodhill Mental Hospitals.
§ Mr. MaclayNo fully qualified occupational therapist is employed in Hart-wood and Hartwoodhill Mental Hospital.
§ Miss HerbisonIs the Minister aware that Hartwood and Hartwoodhill together form the biggest mental hospital in Scotland, with almost 1,500 patients? Does he not think it disgraceful that so many mentally-ill patients should be without the help of occupational therapists anywhere in Scotland?
§ Mr. MaclayWithout criticising the work of the two occupational therapists at Hartwoodhill—neither of whom holds a recognised qualification—I realise that it is highly desirable that fully qualified staff would be available for this important part of mental hospital treatment.
§ Miss HerbisonWould the right hon. Gentleman be pleased even if the two occupational therapists—[Interruption.] This is a very important matter, affecting 1,500 mentally-ill people. Would the Minister be pleased even if the two 11 occupational therapists he has mentioned were fully qualified, having regard to the great number of mentally-ill people involved?
§ Mr. MaclayThe hon. Lady should not have drawn that inference from my answer. I made it clear that it is desirable that we should get more occupational therapists in our mental hospitals as quickly as we can.