§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he proposes to take to reduce the number of voluntary patients in mental hospitals who are fit for discharge but have to remain in hospital because they have nowhere to go.
§ Dr. OwenMy right hon. Friend and I attach great importance to enabling such patients to leave hospital, but it is important to recognise that hospital discharge policies must be realistic and take account of the local availability of supporting services. The extent to which
844WSpring Bank Holiday and on two occasions in August 1975 when reprocessing of the work was necessary. Delays are sometimes occasioned by failures in the postal service but there is a constant monitoring exercise and close liaison is maintained with the Post Office.
The cost of running the centre in 1975–76 was almost £.2.5 million. It is much cheaper to do this work by computer than manually.