§ 74. Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Health what hospital management committee controls the St. Nicholas' Mental Hospital at Gosforth, Northumberland; how many parliamentary divisions exist within its area; how many people sit on the management committee; on what dates reports were made by this committee or by any of its officers to the Regional Board or to him about the sleeping conditions in the Chapel Dormitory of the hospital and the need for immediate reorganisation to improve conditions.
§ Mr. BraineThe St. Nicholas Hospital Management Committee; 7; 14. On 22nd June, 1961 the Group Secretary, on behalf of the Management Committee, drew the attention of the Regional Hospital Board to the overcrowding in the hospital, especially in the female wards. A joint committee of officers of the Regional Board and the Management Committee which was set up as a result has kept the Regional Board in touch with the position.
§ 75. Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Health how many mental patients are sleeping in the Chapel Dormitory of the Gosforth Hospital under the conditions illustrated in the evidence sent to him by the hon. Member for Wallsend; what immediate steps are to be taken to reduce the numbers and improve the conditions; and if he will meet the management committee at once to discuss a re-arrangement 183W of sleeping accommodation and the erection of temporary accommodation for mental patients.
§ Mr. Braine68; the Hospital Management Committee has asked its medical advisory committee to arrange for the numbers to be reduced so that a chair and a locker can be provided for each patient. The Regional Hospital Board is responsible for the detailed planning of hospital provision. My right hon. Friend will be glad to consider any proposal it may make.