§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients are currently resident at Broadmoor Hospital; and what are the current rates of admission and discharge.
§ Dr. OwenOn 31st October 1975, 765 patients were resident. In the six months ended 31st October 1975, 59 patients were admitted, and 40 patients left the hospital by way of discharge to the community, transfer to other hospitals or repatriation. In addition three patients died.
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§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present extent of overcrowding of patients at Broadmoor Hospital; and what steps are being taken to improve facilities.
§ Dr. OwenOn 31st October 1975 there were 645 male patients in accommodation originally built for 500. On the same date there were 120 female patients, but the female wing is not overcrowded.
Effective relief of overcrowding for the male patients depends upon a large scale reduction in numbers. This is likely to be achieved only when the new special hospital being planned near Liverpool is fully operational.
Upgrading of the wards to improve patients' living conditions continues in rotation, but major work is not feasible because of the age of the buildings.
The principal work currently being undertaken to improve facilities is the erection of new offices for the medical staff which will raise their present inadequate accommodation and enable this to be converted to provide urgently needed space for patients' educational and vocational classes.