§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what date Mr. George Heath, at present in Wormwood Scrubs Prison (D55979), was recommended for a transfer to Broadmoor; when it is expected that he will be transferred; and whether they will explain why there are delays in accommodating patients in establishments appropriate to their need for care and treatment.
§ Lord Cullen of AshbourneThe recommendation was made on 4th December, 1980 and acceptance for admission to Broadmoor was confirmed on 15th January. I understand that a bed is now available and that Mr. Heath will be transferred next week.
Broadmoor Hospital has been overcrowded for many years. Priority of admission has to be given to those who are the subject of a hospital order made by the courts; as the order has to be effected within 28 days of being made. Persons already serving a prison sentence who are subsequently accepted for treatment at Broadmoor are admitted as soon as a suitable vacancy occurs; immediately, if their clinical condition warrants it. The waiting list is kept under review and any patient whose condition has worsened and who requires immediate hospital treatment is admitted straight away. This is a matter for the doctors concerned who will take into account the care and treatment available to the person within the prison medical service.
The commissioning of additional wards at the new Park Lane Special Hospital later this year and a rebuilding programme at Broadmoor on which work has already commenced will help to ease these problems of overcrowding.
House adjourned at thirteen minutes before three o'clock.