§ 82. Mr. E. Wakefieldasked the Minister of Health when Balderton Colony at Newark will be completed; and what additional accommodation will then be made available for mentally-deficient children from Derbyshire.
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§ Mr. Iain MacleodWork on this scheme commenced this year and the first phase, which it is hoped will be completed by 1957, will provide 252 beds, including 78 for children. The whole scheme provides for 800 beds, including approximately 200 beds for children, but I cannot say when it will be possible to complete it. Patients will be admitted in accordance with individual needs irrespective of the locality from which they come, but Derbyshire will be included in the area served by this hospital.
§ 83. Mr. E. Wakefieldasked the Minister of Health what plans he has for extending Aston Hall Mental Deficiency Hospital; when the extensions will be completed; and what additional accommodation will then be available for mentally-deficient children from Derbyshire.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe Regional Hospital Board intend ultimately to extend the hospital to about 800 beds, including not less than 164 for children, but I cannot say how soon the whole scheme will be completed. Next year they propose to make a start on three new units with a total of 120 beds, about half of which will be for children.
§ 84. Mr. E. Wakefieldasked the Minister of Health what public authority is responsible for the care of mentally deficient children who are unmanageable at home, when a regional hospital board is unable to provide accommodation in an institution.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe local health authority is responsible for recommending the priority of admission to hospital according to need, and, pending admission, for providing such supervision and help as are practicable.