§ Mr. Easthamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the recommended minimum number of square feet per patient's bed-space at a hospital such as Cranage Hall; what is the actual figure at the hospital; what is the recommended maximum number of patients there; what measures are being taken to improve the sleeping accommodation; and if he is satisfied with the present general accommodation condition at the hospital.
§ Sir George YoungThe recommended minimum bed-space per patient in long-stay mental handicap hospitals like Cranage Hall is 50 sq. ft. night space and 30 sq. ft. day space; information is not held centrally on bed-space at Cranage Hall. The number of patients to be cared for in any hospital is a matter for local decision in the light of a number of factors, of which space is only one; also important are the staffing resources available to give an appropriate level of care, and in the case of Cranage Hall the hospital has 581 staffed beds. A number of improvements are planned in the ward environment. In particular alterations are being made, on grounds of safety, to accommodate on the ground floor certain non-ambulant patients currently located on the second floor. I am satisfied that the Cheshire area health authority has a proper appreciation of the present accommodation at the hospital and future needs.
§ Mr. Easthamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients at Cranage Hall hospital do not attend a residential training area or other appropriate occupation; and how many staff would be required to offer appropriate occupational training.
§ Sir George YoungOn 1 November 1980—the latest date for which information is available—there were 128 patients not participating in day-time activities excluding those who are too old or are not able to take part because of their condition. It is not possible to say with any precision what staff would be required to provide activities for these patients as this would depend very much on the type and range of activites to be provided.