HC Deb 07 November 1966 vol 735 cc217-8W
Mr. Lomas

asked the Minister of Health how many patients have been reported missing from Storthes Hall Hospital, Huddersfield, in each year since 1960; how many have been found dead; how many of these were found outside the hospital grounds; and what recom- mendations he has made to the regional hospital board.

Mr. K. Robinson

The number of patients reported missing to authorities or relatives outside the hospital in each of the six years up to 30th September, 1966 were respectively 31, 14, 26, 133, 88, 117. Seven patients were found dead including four outside the hospital grounds and one died after being found.

The hospital has instituted additional measures to ensure the safety of patients. I have requested the Regional Hospital Board to ensure that these measures are kept under constant review and that their importance is recognised in other similar hospitals in the region.