HC Deb 19 November 1984 vol 68 c61W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a full statement on progress made so far by (a) North East Thames regional health authority and (b) South East Thames regional health authority in establishing regional secure psychiatric units; what are their future plans; what agreement they have made for the one to use the facilities of the other; and whether he has approved this agreement.

Mr. John Patten

As regards the North East Thames region, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 22 October, at column519. In the South East Thames region progress on a 30-bed central unit at the Bethlem royal hospital and four 15-bed units at Cane hill, Bexley, Oakwood and Hellingly hospitals is well advanced. These permanent units are scheduled to open at different times during the next 12 months. The first patients are due to be admitted to the Cane hill unit later this month and to the Bethlem unit in February 1985.

Negotiations are currently taking place between the authorities concerned about the possibility of some of the places at the Bethlem unit being made available to North East Thames regional health authority. Health authorities do not require any approval to make places in secure units available to other health authorities. The terms of such arrangements between authorities are a matter for the authorities concerned.

Year Broadmoor hospital Rampton hospital Moss Side hospital Park Lane hospital Total
Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female
1974 22 4 55 9 9 10 — — 86 23
1975 24 5 61 12 16 13 3 — 104 30
1976 26 — 94 26 17 8 4 — 141 34
1977 24 3 112 28 21 5 6 — 163 36
1978 25 3 105 32 22 7 5 — 157 42
1979 24 2 96 39 22 6 7 — 149 47
1980 20 4 94 39 38 6 6 — 158 49
1981 20 6 100 35 30 9 5 — 155 50
1982 16 3 78 32 28 7 7 — 129 42
1983 27 6 84 30 42 12 17 — 170 48
1984 40 6 87 34 41 9 26 — 194 49

Notes:

  1. (i) All figures given as at 30 June each year.
  2. (ii) There are no female patients in Park Lane hospital.
  3. (iii) Of the patients awaiting transfer as at June 1984, 26 were on leave of absence in NHS hospitals with a view to possible transfer.