§ Mr. Easthamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he is satisfied with the provision of buildings to meet the needs of young school leavers at the Cranage Hall hospital, Cheshire;
(2) if he is satisfied with the provisions of staff and facilities for post school leavers at the Cranage Hall hospital, Cheshire.
§ Sir George YoungThe further education building consists of one large room and this imposes a limitation on the range of activities possible. The occupational therapy building is not large enough to deal fully with all patients who might benefit. The recreation hall is modern and fulfils its functions very satisfactorily, as does the industrial therapy accomodation, apart from limited changing facilities for incontinent patients.
At the latest date for which figures are readily available, November 1979, 285 patients were benefiting from hospital facilities and about 80 were unable to receive educational or hospital training because of limitations in the facilities available. It is recognised that there is scope for improvement in what is available and it is intended to develop the facilities provided by both the hospital and the local education authority. Discussions are in train between the two authorities on how to provide adequate services for the increasing numbers of patients needing them.
§ Mr. Easthamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what resources including staff and equipment, are provided to encourage mental stimulation and to avoid regression for young persons leaving school at Cranage Hall hospital, Cheshire;
(2) what further education and industrial therapy facilities are provided at the Cranage Hall hospital, Cheshire.
§ Sir George YoungFurther education facilities are provided by the local education authority. Occupational and industrial therapy and recreational facilities are provided by the NHS: some patients receive training in social skills, some in preparation for dischare, some work in hospital service departments, some work in outside employment, and others produce handicrafts. Twenty NHS staff are employed to conduct, direct and oversee these activities.