§ Mr. George Gardinerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has yet set up his proposed working party on the problems encountered by regional health authorities in establishing secure units; who is serving upon it: and from what bodies they are drawn.
§ Mr. EnnalsI was impressed by the suggestion, arising from meetings with the TUC, at which concern at the slow progress in setting up regional secure units was expressed, that it would be helpful to have a group of people with wide relevant experience to act as a source of practical help and advice in overcoming the difficulties being experienced. 195W The terms of reference and the membership have now been settled. The group is not a policy-forming or decision-taking body but is intended as a source of practical help and advice. Its terms of reference are:—
To act, on the request of any Regional Health Authority, as a source of practical help and advice in overcoming difficulties which the Authority may be experiencing particularly with regard to the fears and anxieties of local staff, in setting up Regional psychiatric secure units and in making interim secure arrangements in the meantime".The group's membership is as follows:—
Chairman:
Mr. K. J. Moyes, Under Secretary, Mental Health Division, DHSS.
Members:
Dr. M. J. MacCulloch, Principal Medical Officer, DHSS.
Mr. S. Moore, Principal Nursing Officer, DHSS.
Nominated by NHS Authorities:
Dr. Rosemary Rue, Regional Medical Officer, Oxford RHA.
Mr. A. Barson, General Administrator, SE Thames RHA.
Mr. R. Bennett, Area Nursing Officer, Avon AHA(T).
Nominated by the Royal College of Psychiatrists
Dr. W. A. Weston, Consultant Psychiatrist, Wakefield, Yorks.
Dr. P. H. Seager, Consultant Psychiatrist, Sheffield.
Dr. R. Bluglass, Consultant Psychiatrist, Birmingham.
Dr. J. Gunn, Consultant Psychiatrist, Institute of Psychiatry, London.
Nominated by the Royal College of Nursing
Mr. P. D. Mellor, Nurse Advisor, Royal College of Nursing.
Mrs. E. A. Gentle, Ward Sister, Tooting Bee Hospital.
Nominated by the TUC
- Mr. E. A. G. Spanswick (COHSE).
- Mr. E. Wilson (COHSE).
- Mr. D. Packham (NUPE).
- Mr. R. Burn (NUPE).
- Mr. T. H. Waterhouse (NALGO).
- Mr. E. Bromley (ASTMS).
- Mr. L. T. Rowley (POA).
I hope that regional health authorities will take full advantage of its help.