§ 15. Mr. David Walderasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what new categories of adult patients are now admitted to Calderstones Hospital, Whalley, Lancashire; and what categories are allowed outside the hospital unsupervised.
§ Dr. OwenNo new categories of patients are being admitted. Patients are allowed outside the hospital unsupervised only at the discretion of the responsible medical officer. I will, of course, be prepared to look at any individual case which may be causing concern to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. WalderI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply, but I must bring to his notice the local situation and ask whether he is aware that in the last 12 months there has been an increase in the number of incidents of vandalism, indecency and trespass which, were it not for the tolerance of the local population, might well have become matters for the courts and the police.
§ Dr. OwenI recognise that these hospitals sometimes put strains on local communities, but broadly speaking there are good relationships between the local community and the hospital. I will look at the specific incidents mentioned by the hon. Gentleman.