§ 25. Mr. Parkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals she has to establish further separate adolescent units for young mentally disturbed patients.
§ Dr. OwenMy Department is preparing a consultation paper on the future pattern of mental health services for the young. Consideration will be given to the particular needs of mentaly disturbed adolescents and to the extent to which further separate psychiatric units are required.
§ 38. Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further action she proposes to take to implement the White Paper on Better Services for the Mentally I11.
§ Dr. OwenI have emphasised that the White Paper is a long-term strategic document and must not be regarded as setting out a specific programme. The consultative document we shall be issuing on priorities in the health and personal social services in England will include proposals for the development of services for the mentally ill.
Draft guidance will also shortly be issued for consultation with local authority and health authority interests on a joint care approach to planning including arrangements for joint financing.