§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will take steps, following the Bournewood judgment, to allow sufferers from Alzheimer's disease to continue to be admitted voluntarily to mental hospitals for respite care; [44585]
(2) if he will make a statement on the Bournewood judgment. [44584]
§ Mr. BoatengFollowing the Court of Appeal's judgment in the case of L v Bournewood Community and Mental Health National Health Service Trust, the Department advised the NHS about the Court of Appeal ruling and issued guidance to the NHS on its practical application.
The trust was granted leave to appeal to the House of Lords, and the hearing took place on 2–8 June. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State was given leave to intervene in the case in the light of the wider implications of the Court of Appeal's judgment on the NHS and partner agencies. Further guidance will be issued once the House of Lords' judgment is known, and we will consider then what, if any, further action is needed.