HC Deb 13 May 1980 vol 984 cc461-2W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the target number of in-patient places for mentally-ill adolescents, the number currently available and the names of those regional health authorities that have no such facilities.

Sir George Young

There is no target number. The scale of provision tentatively suggested by the Department some years ago for the number of hospital in-patient places required specifically for mentally ill adolescents was 20/25 beds per million total population. At 31 December 1978, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 543 beds available in hospital wards or units exclusively designated for mentally ill adolescents; and all regional health authorities then had some provision.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the target number of day places for mentally-ill adolescents, the number currently available provided by (a) local authorities and (b) the voluntary sector; and what are the names of those local authorities that have no such facility;

(2) what is the target number of hostel places for mentally-ill adolescents, and the number currently available provided by (a) local authorities and (b) the voluntary sector; and what are the names of those local authorities that have no such facilities.

Sir George Young

The Department has made no recommendations on numbers of hostel or day places specifically for the care of mentally ill adolescents. Depending on the individual circumstances, the needs of disturbed adolescents may be met by a variety of facilities available to health, social services and education authorities.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many psychiatric nurses were employed in treating adolescents in each year since 1974.

Sir George Young

This information is not available centrally.