§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he has taken in accordance 71W with his duties under section 4 of the National Health Service Act 1977, relating to special hospitals; or what action he intends to take where standards do not meet the criteria of the Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungFour special hospitals have been established in England—Broadmoor, Rampton, Moss Side and Park Lane—for the detention of mentally disordered patients who require hospital treatment in conditions a special security because of their dangerous, violent or criminal propensities. They are managed directly by the Department of Health and Social Security on behalf of the Secretary of State.
Broadmoor is, at present, overcrowded and in need of redevelopment. As the new hospital at Park Lane is completed—it is at present only partly open—this is enabling some patients to be moved from Broadmoor and for the redevelopment of the hospital to take place. Preliminary works for the redevelopment there have now started.