§ 23. Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what number of out-patients per psychiatrist he estimates to be the maximum for effective treatment; and how far the present out-patient services meet this need.
§ Mr. SnowMethods vary and no fixed ratio is appropriate: there is no serious overall shortage of psychiatrists though more are needed in some areas.
§ Mr. PriceDoes my hon. Friend consider that there are sufficient in the Birmingham area? Is he aware that I have had evidence that many psychiatrists in the Birmingham area seem to be very much overloaded with work in the outpatient department?
§ Mr. SnowThat is probably quite true in the Birmingham area. In other areas there seems to be some under-occupation. I should, however, add that at the end of September, 1968, there were 938 consultant psychiatrists and 442 registrars of mental illness and child psychiatry.