HC Deb 05 May 1981 vol 4 cc3-5
3. Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients are awaiting transfer from each of the special hospitals; and when he expects the transfers to take place.

The Secretary of State for Social Services (Mr. Patrick Jenkin)

On 1 April 1981, 31 patients in Broadmoor, 129 in Rampton, 43 in Moss Side and four in Park Lane hospital were awaiting transfer. These transfers will take place as soon as the appropriate health authority can make a suitable hospital bed available.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he and his predecessors have been saying that for the past seven years? Is it not a continuing disgrace and scandal that many patients have to wait a long time in those hospitals, particularly when many are probably being detained illegally and are certainly being denied proper medical care and treatment? Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that the NHS lives up to its responsibilities?

Mr. Jenkin

I share the hon. Gentleman's concern, but it is only right to put on the record what has been achieved. In the first quarter of this year 61 patients were transferred, compared with 38 in the same quarter of last year. Since last November—when the Rampton report appeared—90 patients have been transferred. There is a marked increase in the rate at which special hospital patients are being recommended for transfer. The number of patients who have been waiting for more than two years has fallen from 66 in January 1980 to 45 in April 1981. That is a reduction of almost one third. I am satisfied that the health authorities are doing their best. More patients are being recommended for transfer. I intend to keep a close watch to ensure that the intention which the hon. Gentleman and I share—that those who should not be in special hospitals are transferred to National Health Service hospitals—becomes a reality.

Mr. McCrindle

Whether transfers are made to NHS hospitals or back to the community, does the Secretary of State agree—particularly in cases that involve criminal offences—that continuing surveillance should be the order of the day? It would then be possible to reassure those communities that surround NHS hospitals to which patients had been transferred. In addition, such surveillance would be in the interest of the patient.

Mr. Jenkin

I understand my hon. Friend's concern. It is essential that there should be secure accommodation for patients who are regarded as a danger to the community. That is why the Government have maintained and are getting ahead with a policy that will give each region a regional secure unit, to which patients for whom such treatment and care is appropriate can be transferred.

Mrs. Dunwoody

Although there has been an advance in the number of patients transferred, is there not a time lag? Is the Secretary of State satisfied that local authorities will have sufficient money to help in the provision of halfway houses, in the form of hostels? In several counties, suitable hostel accommodation is lacking and existing accommodation is being closed.

Mr. Jenkin

One must be realistic when discussing the transfer of patients from special hospitals. The vast majority of patients will need psychiatric care in NHS hospitals. The subsequent transfer to hostels—if appropriate—is a different question.

Mr. Greenway

Is my right hon. Friend aware that another special hospital, namely, Perivale maternity hospital in my constituency, is in difficulties? It is strongly rumoured that there is a danger of closure less than a year after confirmation that it had a strong future. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman should put that question on the Order Paper.