HC Deb 19 December 1979 vol 976 cc266-7W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the difficulties encountered by police in their inquiries into indivdual cases of brutality at Rampton hospital, he will now institute a full public inquiry into the climate of brutality in the hospital.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

No. The nature of the allegations was such that I thought it essential to refer them to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Despite the inevitable difficulties he has directed the police to make inquiries and it would not be appropriate for me to take any action which would be inconsistent with them.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to receive the report of the management review team investigating Ramp-ton hospital.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on 17 December.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what instructions have been given to nurses, officers and doctors at Rampton hospital about co-operation with (a) the police inquiries and (b) the management review team.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

No specific instructions have been given other than that any complaint which might involve criminal conduct is to be passed promptly and with out investigation to the Deparment's headquarters so that any which are not clearly trivial are passed on immediately to the police investigating team. It has however been made clear that all staff are expected to co-operate with those making these inquiries since it is in the best interests of patients and staff alike that thorough inquiries are completed as soon as is reasonably practicable.

222. Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what access to medical records and departmental records is being given to the police in their inquiries into brutality at Rampton hospital.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Where the police require access to official papers and records for the purpose of their inquiries, these are made available to them. In the case of personal medical records such access is given subject to the agreement of the patient, wherever appropriate, and his responsible medical officer.