§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 16 July 2001,Official Report, column 70W, what proportion of total NHS spending was used to provide mental health services in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [10662]
§ Jacqui SmithIn 1999–2000, 12.5 per cent. of total national health service spend was used to provide mental health services.
This figure is however not comparable with those of previous years or future years: 1999–2000 represents the first year that primary care group expenditure was included in the calculation and the formula used to apportion the expenditure was based on estimated data. In future years the data for primary care groups and trusts will be more detailed and the resultant figure for percentage spend will be more accurate.
§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Norwich, North (Dr. Gibson) of 23 October 2001,Official Report, columns 144–45W, on mental health, what definition of appropriate accommodation is used in relation to his target for high secure hospitals. [11581]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 31 October 2001]: Paragraph 14.35 of the NHS Plan states that, by 2004, up to 400 patients should have moved from the high secure hospitals to more appropriate accommodation. The type of accommodation required for each patient will be determined by a careful assessment of the individual's needs and the degree of danger that they represent. The alternative placement might, depending on the outcome of the assessment, be medium secure, low secure or exceptionally discharge directly into the community.