HC Deb 13 April 1976 vol 909 cc491-2W
37. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospital beds are available to mentally handicapped children from Lambeth aged 12 years to 16 years; and where these beds are provided.

Dr. Owen

There are no beds within the area of the Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham AHA (T) for mentally handicapped children aged 12 to 16 years. Nor are such beds elsewhere in the South-East Thames Region specifically allocated for children from Lambeth, who are accommodated as necessary at Darenth Park Hospital, Dartford, Kent, or Goldie Leigh Hospital, Abbey Wood, S.E.2. Additionally, beds are available in South-West Thames Region at the following hospitals: Manor Hospital and St. Ebba's Hospital, Epsom, Surrey; St. Lawrence Hospital, Caterham, Surrey.

I understand that the South-East Thames Regional Health Authority is currently reviewing its needs and resources with a view to rationalising services generally, including those for mentally handicapped patients.