§ Mr. Molloyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he remains satisfied with the law and procedures relating to the physical protection of nursing staff in mental illness hospitals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EnnalsNurse safety depends on ensuring accommodation and staffing are adequate in situations where a patient's behaviour may cause injury to himself, other patients' or staff; that staff are suitably trained and a proper balance of experience is available; and that aid can readily be summoned if difficulty or danger arises.
Procedures to these ends are laid down by individual health authorities. In March 1976 my predecessor sent a circular to health authorities on the management of violent or potentially violent hospital patients, indicating that though serious acts of violence are relatively infrequent they present a problem which called for both good professional practice and appropriate administrative arrangements The circular, the appendix of which was prepared jointly by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of Nursing, provided guidance on these matters, and health authorities were asked to review their arrangements in the light of the circular. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the circular.
As regards the law, I am aware that there is concern amongst some staff about 209W their legal position, particularly with respect to the need to search patients or their belongings. Last November I myself met representatives of COHSE, following the publication in September 1977 of their document on the management of violent or potentially violent patients, to discuss the proposals made in that booklet, including the suggestion that a power be given to specifically authorised persons to search patients and their property The Government are considering this proposal in the context of the review of the Mental Health Act and will set out its conclusions in the White Paper which we hope to publish in the summer.