HC Deb 05 June 1967 vol 747 cc117-8W
102. Dr. Winstanley

asked the Minister of Health what progress he has made in reviewing the system of remuneration for staffs in psychiatric hospitals so that it is not related to the number of beds.

Mr. K. Robinson

This is a matter in the first instance for the appropriate Whitley Council.

108. Miss Pike

asked the Minister of Health, how many paid organisers of volunteers there are in psychiatric hospitals and mental health divisions of local authorities.

Mr. K. Robinson

Information is not available centrally in this form. I know of three such appointments in psychiatric hospitals, but others may have been made where the appointment was within the discretion of the hospital board concerned.

Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Minister of Health how many appointments to the grade of senior enrolled nurse have been made so far in mental hospitals.

Mr. K. Robinson

None. The grade of enrolled nurse was not generally introduced in psychiatric hospitals until December 1964, and no decision has yet been taken on the introduction of the senior enrolled nurse grade for which, in general hospitals, three years' experience as an enrolled nurse is required.

Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Minister of Health what proportion of admissions to mental hospitals under short-term compulsory powers were under Section 29 of the Mental Health Act in 1966; and if he will give corresponding figures for 1965 and 1964.

Mr. K. Robinson

62 per cent.; 65 and 68 per cent. respectively (estimated).

Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Health how many nurses are now training to become enrolled nurses in psychiatric hospitals.

Mr. Snow

933 at 30th September, 1966, the latest date for which figures are available. In addition, 22 pupil nurses were training in psychiatric units or wards of general hospitals.

Mr. David Steel

asked the Minister of Health what is the amount to be spent in 1967–68, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of total capital expenditure on hospitals, on psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric wards of general hospitals.

Mr. K. Robinson

Capital expenditure in 1967–68 on the Special hospitals, on National Health Service psychiatric hospitals and on psychiatric facilities at other National Health Service hospitals is estimated at about £9.5 million or just over 10 per cent. of the total capital expenditure on those hospitals.

Mr. Moonman

asked the Minister of Health to what extent the mental hospital admission rate for new towns is different from the rate for high density areas; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. K. Robinson

The information is not available.

Mr. Moonman

asked the Minister of Health how many patients were admitted to mental hospitals in 1966 under Section 29 of the Mental Health Act.

Mr. K. Robinson

The number of admissions under Section 29 to psychiatric hospitals and units in 1966 was 17,887 (estimated).