§ Mr. Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance is given to hospital administrators and district health authority treasurers concerning the release of money which has accumulated in long-term balances on behalf of patients.
§ Mr. RossiGuidance on the issue of money from the personal accounts of long-stay hospital patients is contained in the "Hospital Memorandum on Patients' Moneys" (HM(71)90), which was issued in November 1971 and which is in the Library of the House. This guidance is currently being revised.
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§ Mr. Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance is given to local authorities and district health authorities concerning interest which accrues from the accounts held by hospitals on behalf of long-stay patients.
§ Mr. RossiHospital memorandum (71)90 advises that interest from patients' savings accounts should be divided among all participating patients, having regard to the sum deposited for each patient and the period of time f Dr which it is deposited.
§ Mr. Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy towards the introduction of independent advocates for individual patients based inside long-stay institutions.
§ Mr. RossiThe introduction of independent advocacy schemes at long-stay hospitals is a matter for individual health authorities but the Department has made a grant to advocacy Alliance towards the costs of a pilot scheme in three mental handicap hospitals which have agreed to take part in the scheme.