HC Deb 28 February 1955 vol 537 cc211-3W
Mr. Murray

asked the Minister of Health what action he is taking to deal adequately with the waiting lists for admission into mental hospitals; and how the present waiting lists compare with those of the last three years.

Mr. Iain Macleod

At the end of 1953, 666 persons were awaiting admission to mental hospitals. The corresponding figures for 1952 and 1951 respectively were 607 and 876. About 1,200 new beds have been provided since 1948 and the current building programme will provide a further 2,870.

Mr. Murray

asked the Minister of Health the minimum and maximum number of patients in one ward in a mental hospital, giving the size of such ward and the minimum amount of space allowed by his regulations to each patient.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Wards vary in size according to the type of patient and design of the hospitals, and there is no set maximum or minimum. Normal authorised standards of floor space vary between 40–50 superficial feet in day rooms; 50–70 feet in dormitories; and 65–100 feet in single rooms. Full details of these standards are set out in a circular sent to hospital authorities in November, 1953, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

Mr. Murray

asked the Minister of Health (1) how many mental clinics there are in Great Britain serving mental hospitals; how many patients attend such clinics; how many hospitals have no clinics; if he will state the number of psychiatrists serving these hospitals; and what steps he is taking to obtain more of these specialists for all patients in need of such treatment;

(2) how many mental hospitals there are in Great Britain; what number of psychiatrists serve such hospitals; how far he is satisfied that such numbers are adequate; and what steps he is taking to improve the situation.

Mr. Iain Macleod

In England and Wales, there are approximately 650 psychiatric out-patient clinics. The total number of new patients attending them in 1953 was 111,326. I am not aware of any mental hospital which is not served by an out-patient clinic. There are 169 designated mental hospitals in England and Wales and the total whole-time medical staff at the end of 1953 was 1,031. In addition there were 362 part-time appointments. The general question of medical staffing of mental hospitals is at present under consideration. If information regarding Scotland is desired, the hon. Member will no doubt approach my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.