§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has received a report from the review group on mental illness services in Dyfed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe second report of the review group was received last month. A copy of the report and my reply has been placed in the Library.
The report sets out the review group's assessment of the progress made by the responsible statutory authorities in response to the Health Advisory Service report on St. David's hospital, Carmarthen which was published in July last year. The report includes a detailed checklist of the action taken in respect of each of the recommendations of the HAS team.
The report indicates that the group has been impressed by the progress made in addressing the problems revealed 53W by the HAS team and by the readiness of the authorities to respond to its advice. The group reports that there is evidence of improved standards of care and patient living conditions, of a more collaborative approach to interdisciplinary and interauthority relations and a greater sense of purpose.
However, the report points to continuing problems in the priority areas of standards of care, physical improvements, strategic planning and relationships between authorities and calls for determined action by all three authorities to overcome these. In particular the group emphasises the importance of determined leadership by the responsible authorities to ensure that the momentum achieved so far is maintained to secure continuing improvements in the quality of care for mentally ill people in Dyfed.
My reply to the chairman indicates that I endorse fully the group's conclusions. Clearly much has been achieved, but the remaining problems must be tackled with sustained determination. I look forward to a further report this summer on progress in the priority areas identified by the group. I shall continue to keep the House informed.