§ Mr. ClellandTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the guidelines used to define rehabilitation and resettlement of ex-mental patients.
§ Mrs. CurrieOur policy is that mentally disordered people who are judged by the clinical team to be no longer in need of in-patient care should be subject to planned discharge from hospital. Planning should take full account of the patient's potential for resettlement and integration into the community, the ability of the individual's family to cope and the facilities and services provided by health and local authorities, voluntary organisations and the private sector which are available to meet his or her particular needs. Rehabilitation programmes are essential before discharge and should be followed up thereafter.