§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will publish the results and report of the inquiry into the allegations that a 23-year-old male patient at South Ockenden Hospital had been beaten last June.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe incident was reported by the hospital staff to the police for possible proceedings under Section 126 of the Mental Health Act. After making inquiries the police informed the hospital authorities that the Director of272W Public Prosecutions did not propose to authorise proceedings.
The Hospital Management Committee took disciplinary action for negligence against the two junior nurses on duty in the ward at the time of the incident. As a result both resigned.