HC Deb 29 July 1957 vol 574 cc98-9W
38. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Health what action is being taken to provide hospital accommodation for voluntary mental patients who may require observation or supervision for only a short period; and, in view of the shortage of beds for such cases in most regions, if he will take steps to deal with this problem nationally as distinct and separate from that of chronic cases.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

Up to March, 1957, the programmes of the regional hospital boards had provided for 3,800 new mental hospital beds. The special mental million programme provided for 1,900 and the current major schemes programme provides so far for a further 1.000. These programmes have enabled the mental hospitals to make substantial improvements in their arrangements for treating short-stay cases. In addition, there are now more than 3,000 beds for short-stay psychiatric cases in general and neurosis hospitals.

39. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to ascertain accommodation requirements for mental patients in the various regions of the country; what is the estimated shortage in the south-west region; and if he will consider taking early action to supply these needs.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

At the end of 1956 the designated mental hospitals in England and Wales were overcrowded by 17,000 patients, or 14 per cent. The figures for the South Western Region were 1,462 patients or 16.4 per cent. A comparison with previous years shows that overcrowding is being reduced, and additional accommodation is already started or projected.