§ 25. Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects regional secure psychiatric units to be established in each regional health authority area; and what steps he is taking to make progress.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe first permanent regional secure unit, providing 30 places, opened at St. Luke's hospital, Middlesbrough, in November 1980. Building has been completed on two others, at Langdon hospital, Dawlish and Towers hospital, Leicester, providing between them 90 places, and they are expected to admit their first patients within the next few months. Seven further developments, providing a further 342 places, are currently under construction, and construction of a further 131 places is programmed for start on site by the end of 1983. By the end of 1985 over 500 places are expected to be available in twelve permanent regional secure units in 11 regions and 140 additional places are expected to be under construction at that time in two other regions. Planning for a 20-bedded permanent unit is at an advanced stage in the remaining region.
Secure facilities of one kind or another are available in all regions including more than 600 places in twelve regions in facilities which have been designated as interim secure units. Although there have been considerable delays in providing permanent regional secure units, I am glad to say that encouraging progress is now being made. My noble Friend will continue to take a close interest in these developments and to encourage further progress.