HC Deb 08 August 1966 vol 733 cc231-2W
Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Health if the study undertaken by his Department into food requirements in mental illness hospitals is complete; and what adjustments will be made as a result in the diet provided to patients at the Katherine McNeile Clinic at Roundway Hospital and at similar establishments.

Mr. K. Robinson

The study by my Department into food requirements in mental illness hospitals has been completed.

The conclusion was that hospital authorities should, with good catering practice, have been able to provide a satisfactory standard of catering for patients in these hospitals within the sum of 27s. 9d. per head per week, at prices current in May, 1964. This is the equivalent of 29s. 1d. at prices current in November, 1965.

Hospital authorities have been asked to make a thorough review of catering practice at all mental illness hospitals, including Roundway Hospital, in the light of the conclusion reached in the study.