Mr. Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) over how many other inquiries Mr. Gerald Kidner has presided between the conclusion of his inquiry into the case of Elizabeth Shewan and the writing of the report on that case;
(2) when the report of the Kidner inquiry into the case of Elizabeth Shewan will be published.
§ Mr. MoyleThe only other inquiry over which Mr. Gerald Kidner has presided since the conclusion of the hearings in the Elizabeth Shewan case has been abandoned. He is now writing the report, which is expected to be published in the spring of 1977.
Mr. Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what hospital Miss Elizabeth Shewan is being moved before
Provisional figures 1966 1975 Mental illness Patients … … … … 120,000 87,000 Consultant psychiatrists … … … … 0.44 per 100 patients 1.15 per 100 patients Nurses … … … … 27.80 per 100 patients 54.76 per 100 patients Mental handicap Patients … … … … 56,000 49,500 Consultant psychiatrists … … … … 0.20 per 100 patients 0.33 per 100 patients Nurses … … … … 23.10 per 100 patients 46.51 per 100 patients In 1971, the Department set minimum standards in respect of patients' day and night space and staffing levels in hospitals for the mentally handicapped and in 1972 for the mentally ill. Hospitals are required to report annually on progress and the Department is currently considering data on those hospitals where there is still a shortfall from minimum standards.
60WChristmas; if her parents have consented to this move; if the treatment she has been receiving can be continued there; and if the move is temporary or permanent.
§ Mr. MoyleMiss Elizabeth Shewan is being moved permanently to Linton Hospital, near Maidstone, which is considered by her doctors to be the most appropriate centre now that the staff at the RAF rehabilitation centre at Chessington have done all they can for her. I understand that Elizabeth's parents have objected to the move but they are free to propose alternative arrangements for consideration.