§ 16. Captain W. Elliotasked the Minister of Health under the new hospital building programme, what special provision is being made to accommodate and supervise mental patients transferred for rehabilitation from the special hospitals.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonSuch patients are normally transferred to National Health Service psychiatric hospitals where their rehabilitation is continued in the same way as for other patients. A special unit at Balderton Hospital for patients transferred from Rampton is being planned.
§ Captain ElliotWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, although the rehabilitation of these patients in special hospitals is most important, measures should be taken to protect the interests of the staff at general hospitals and of the public, too?
§ Mr. RobinsonAs I said, I think last week, in answer to a similar Question about transfers from Broadmoor, transfers are made only when the opinion of the consultant in charge of the case is that transfer is appropriate. Therefore, patients who have been transferred from the special hospitals should be regarded by all concerned as being on a par with the patients already being treated in National Health Service hospitals.