§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the 147 male and 37 female patients, held in the four special hospitals but considered by their responsible medical officer to be suitable for transfer to a National Health Service psychiatric hospital, have not yet been transferred; how long each patient has been waiting for such a transfer; and when he expects the transfers to be completed.
§ Mr. MoyleThere are a number of reasons why it has not yet been possible to find hospitals which are prepared to accept these patietns. In some cases it is because the appropriate local hospital has not a vacancy immediately available, but in others it is because of a difference of clinical opinion between consultants, or because there is opposition from hospital staff or trade unions to the admission of a particular patient or a particular category of patients into the hospitals.
Of the 184 special hospital patients awaiting transfer at the beginning of May:
- 99 had been waiting for one year or less
- 57 had been waiting between one and two years
- 17 had been waiting between two and three years, and
- 11 had been wailting for longer than three years.
I am aware of the disappointment and frustration which a long wait for transfer can cause. Officials of my Department review these cases regularly, and are always prepared, where it is thought helpful, to discuss individual cases with the appropriate hospital or health authority.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the age of the youngest (a) male and (b) female patient in a special hospital currently awaiting transfer to a National Health Service psychiatric hospital.