§ Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to list the Scottish mental and mental deficiency 22W hospitals with a ratio of less than one nurse to five mental patients and one nurse to six mental deficiency patients; and what percentage of the total number of mental and mental deficiency beds they contain.
§ Mr. J. StuartAt 30th September, 1955, the ratio of nurses to patients was less than 1 to 5 in twelve of Scotland's 29 mental hospitals, accommodating 42 per cent. of all patients in mental hospitals. At the same date this ratio was less than l to 6 in two of the twelve mental deficiency institutions, accommodating 18 per cent. of all patients in such institutions. Details are as follows:
Mental Hospitals Percentage of Scottish Patients Nurse/Patient ratio Bilbohall Hospital, Elgin 0.9 1 to 5.4 Westgreen Mental Hospital, Dundee 3.1 1 to 5.8 Murthly Mental Hospital, Perthshire 2.3 1 to 6.4 Montrose Royal Mental Hospital 3.8 1 to 5.2 Dingleton Mental Hospital, Melrose 2.2 1 to 6.9 East Lothian Mental Hospital, Haddington 1.1 1 to 5.8 Rosslynlee Mental Hospital, Midlothian 2.3 1 to 5.7 Stratheden Mental Hospital, Cupar 5.1 1 to 5.8 Bangour Mental Hospital, Broxburn 5.1 1 to 5.7 Glengall Mental Hospital, Ayr 2.9 1 to 6.0 Hartwood Mental Hospital, Shotts 8.5 1 to 5.9 Glasgow Royal Mental Hospital 4.7 1 to 5.2 41.7 Mental Deficiency Institutions Gogarburn Mental Deficiency Institution, Edinburgh 14.0 1 to 6.1 Birkwood Institution, Lesmahagow 4.4 1 to 21.3* 18.4 *In addition to nurses, this institution employs ward orderlies on a considerably greater scale than is usual.
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the cut from £122,000 to £113,000 by the Department of Health in Scotland in the amount to be spent on the new admission unit for Aberdeen Royal Mental Hospital, 23W what diminution in the work and public service this will involve; and if he will countermand this cut so that this essential work as planned can be carried out in its entirety.
§ Mr. J. StuartThere will be no reduction in the accommodation or in the working effectiveness of the unit, on which a total expenditure of about £120,000 is being authorised. The original plan is to be carried out in its entirety, except that certain economies are being effected by the use of alternative materials and simpler fittings.