§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many mental patients in (a) mental hospitals and (b) hospital units committed suicide in 1980; and how this compares with the figures for each of the past 10 years.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinDeaths from suicide of inpatients in mental illness hospitals and mental handicap hospitals and general hospital psychiatric departments reported to the mental health inquiry from 1970 to 1978 were as follows:
1970 90 1971 92 1972 73 1973 88 1974 77 1975 81 1976 93 1977 112 1978 127 Figures for 1979 and 1980 are not yet available.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he plans to review the procedures for observation and care of potentially suicidal patients in (a) mental hospitals and (b) hospital units; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThis is a matter for professional judgment. Those responsible for providing treatment and 41W care in mental hospitals and in general hospital psychiatric departments will be aware of the risks involved, especially with patients who have a history of depressive illness.