§ Ms. JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations she has received about the safety of women in psychiatric hospitals;
(2) what measures are being taken to ensure the safety of women in psychiatric hospitals; and what guidance is provided to health authorities on the procedures and policy that they should follow to prevent and deal with sexual assaults and harassment in mental health settings.
§ Mr. SackvilleNo representations about the safety of women in psychiatric hospitals have been received. It is the responsibility of individual health authorities and local managers to develop strategies which will help to provide a safe and secure environment for patients and staff. All health authorities were asked in 1982 to develop comprehensive security strategies and to keep them under review.
A new national health service security manual, which provides excellent advice on all aspects of hospital security, has been issued to health authorities and trusts. A copy of the manual is available in the Library.
§ Ms. JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are taken to ensure that women who have experienced sexual assault or harassment in psychiatric hospitals are encouraged to make a complaint.
§ Mr. YeoThe hospital complaints procedure is available to all patients who are unhappy about aspects of their care and treatment. Health authorities have been asked to include information about how to make a complaint in admission booklets, leaflets and notices. In the case of a complaint about a potential criminal offence, the district general manager must be consulted, and if the allegation is serious and substantial the police must be notified immediately.