§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what dates in the period 1979 to 1988 the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland has visited Lennox Castle hospital; and when the commission first indicated to Greater Glasgow health board its anxieties about conditions there.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythIn the discharge of its functions under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984, the Mental Welfare Commission has visited Lennox Castle hospital on the following occasions:
- Programmed visits
- 28 November 1984
- 23 October 1985
- 26 November 1986
- 13 April 1988
- Special visits
- 2 August 1985
- 7 January 1988
- 9 December 1988
Prior to 1984, visits were confined to those by individual medical commissioners for the purposes of interviewing patients and such visits continue on an annual basis.
The commission first commented adversely about some aspects of the facilities at Lennox Castle following the visit on 28 November 1984. The Greater Glasgow health boa rd has embarked on a major rebuilding and upgrading programme; two new, purpose-designed intensive care units have been built, and four wards substantially upgraded at a cost of £3.8 million. A recurring increase of £2 million, or 18 per cent. of the mental handicap budget, has been approved by the board in the current year for the recruitment of additional staff and support in the community.
The board has committed itself to making Lennox Castle a centre of excellence and is making the necessary provision to achieve that objective.