HC Deb 10 November 1972 vol 845 cc275-6W
Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement on the escape of two patients from Rampton Hospital on 1st November.

Mr. Alison

The patients are believed to have absconded from their ward by removing a window from a first floor room, jumping to the ground, and then to have succeeded in getting over the perimeter fence and wall. The ward is of the villa type occupied by selected patients regarded as needing only minimal supervision. At the time, the normal number of ward staff were on duty. There are no grounds for linking this escape to the present staff unrest at the hospital. The police were notified and the search procedure initiated. The patients have not yet been found. The windows of this and a similar ward have since been made more secure.

Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the fact that there have been two escapes and one suicide since 1st October and because of the general disturbance to morale at Rampton Hospital, he will authorise a return to work on the old shift system before 19th November.

Mr. Alison

I do not accept that there is a connection between the recent escapes and suicide and the change in the shift system worked by the nurses.

Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will order an inquiry into the search procedures following escapes from Rampton Special Hospital now that the new shift prevents off-duty staff from participating in the search for a full day; and whether he will investigate the use of helicopters at an early stage when the alarm has been sounded.

Mr. Alison

The initial search of the hospital buildings and grounds is carried out by hospital staff. The search beyond the limits of the hospital is a matter for the police but the hospital staff co-operate fully. The extent of the assistance we were able to offer the police in connection with the recent escape was as great as on previous occasions and I am grateful to the off-duty staff who responded so readily to the alarm on 1st November.