§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement in respect of the conditions and environment of patients at Rampton special hospital after her visit to the hospital on 3 August.
§ Mr. BowisMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State did not visit Rampton hospital on 3 August but I did so on 30 September. I was impressed with the advances which have been made in the care and treatment of patients and500W with the commitment and dedication of the members of the staff and management whom I met. The refurbished ward which I opened, providing accommodation for 20 mentally ill men in individual rooms with their own washing and toilet facilities, represents a significant improvement in the living conditions of these patients.
With the Special Hospitals Service Authority we are committed to achieving and maintaining the highest standards of care at Rampton and the other two special hospitals, and to strengthening their professional links with local and regional national health service psychiatric services. Staff education has a key part to play in this and I was glad to have the opportunity following my visit of speaking at the signing of the agreement between Ashworth and Rampton hospitals and Sheffield Hallam university to designate the hospitals as joint colleges of the university.