HC Deb 08 November 1974 vol 880 cc279-80W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what efforts are being made to integrate mentally handicapped and subnormal patients at present in hospital into the community.

Dr. Owen

High priority is being given by local authorities to the provision of additional facilities for the mentally handicapped. As a result of the cuts in December last the initial allocation for mental handicap loan approval for the current year had to be limited to about £9 million against a target of about £12 million envisaged in Command 4683, "Better Services for the Mentally Handicapped". As a consequence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's recent announcement of an additional £25 million for the health and social services capital programme my right hon. Friend hopes to restore at least one half of the shortfall in the present year and to bring the programme back on target in 1975–76.

Hospitals have also been increasing their efforts to assist patients to maintain and develop their contact with the general community. This is being done in collaboration with social services departments and with the assistance of local voluntary groups. Patients are encouraged to use local shopping and recreational facilities where possible. Large wards are being broken down to give experience of small group living, and predischarge units both on and off hospital sites are being provided where patients can live with minimum supervision in a domestic setting. Hospital and nursing staff are increasing the extent to which they work in the community.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of child patients in hospitals for the mentally handicapped and subnormal.

Dr. Owen

At 31st December 1972, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 5,951 children under 16 resident in hospitals and units for the mentally handicapped in England.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of adult patients in hospitals for the mentally handicapped and subnormal.

Dr. Owen

At 31st December 1972, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 46,999 adults aged 16 and over, resident in hospitals and units for the mentally handicapped in England.