§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will conduct an immediate investigation to ascertain how a confidential report on the training of nurses at St. Matthew's psychiatric hospital at Burntwood, near Lichfield came to be passed to the New Statesman and published on 2 November; and whether he proposes to order an independent inquiry into allegations of abuse of medical standards.
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§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThis report was submitted by the General Nursing Council to the Staffordshire area health authority, and its confidentiality is a matter for those bodies. I understand that the report is to be considered urgently by the area health authority. Any further action, including the question of an inquiry, is for the appropriate health authorities to decide.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has received a report from the General Nursing Council on training schemes for students at St. Matthew's psychiatric hospital, Lichfield; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinSuch reports are not normally referred to my Department but in the special circumstances of this case a copy of this report is being made available to officials of the Department. I also refer the hon. Member to my reply today to my hon. Friend, the Member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Heddle).