HC Deb 06 May 1981 vol 4 cc72-3W
Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of patients who have died since being moved from St. Benedict's hospital, Tooting, London SW17

Sir George Young

I understand that a report on a survey of patients transferred from St. Benedict's hospital is to be considered by the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth area health authority (teaching) on 6 May. The hon. Member may like to seek information direct from the authority.

Mr. Race

asked the Secretary of State for Social services (1) if he will arrange for a copy of the district community physician's report on the evacuation of old people from St. Benedict's hospital, Tooting to be placed in the Library;

(2) if he will make a statement on the findings of the district community physician's report on the evacuation of old people from St. Benedict's hospital, Tooting; and if he will issue guidelines to area health authorities on the procedure to be followed when geriatric and psycho-geriatric units are evacuated in similar circumstances.

Sir George Young

The report was commissioned by the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth area health authority (teaching) and the authority is to consider it today. It is for the authority to decide on the distribution of the report. local health authorities are best able to determine what arrangements for transferring patients should be made in particular circumstances and I do not believe that the issue of departmental guidelines would be either helpful or appropriate.