§ 25. Mr. van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the statements which he requested have yet been sent to him or to the Berkshire Area Health Authority in relation to allegations of fraud and violence at Church Hill House Hospital, Bracknell.
§ Mr. MoyleOn 22nd December the Wokingham Constituency Labour Party submitted to the Berkshire Area Health Authority a report and a statement by a nursing assistant at Church Hill House Hospital. These documents, of which my right hon. Friend has had copies, referred to incidents at the hospital making specific allegations and they also identified witnesses to some alleged incidents about which information was not given in any detail. The documents cover allegations of violence to patients, misuse and bad security of drugs, misappropriation of patients' holiday money, inducements to give preferential treatment to certain patients, irregularities in completion of nursing staff time sheets, and victimisation of staff.
The allegations of violence to patients had already been reported to the police, who, I understand, have the statement made by the nursing assistant. The police are conducting inquiries into these allegations of violence to patients. I have been assured by the chairman of the area health authority that there will be an 688W immediate and thorough investigation into the other allegations. It is vitally important that all relevant information should be made available to the area health authority without delay.