HC Deb 11 April 1984 vol 58 cc286-7W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether there have been, or will be, cuts to the respite care service provided for physically handicapped children at the Leon Gillis unit at Queen Mary's hospital at Roehampton.

Mr. John Patten

I understand that the Richmond, Twickenham and Roehampton health authority which is responsible for the management of the Leon Gillis unit (an assessment and treatment unit for handicapped children) at Queen Mary's hospital, Roehampton, will be reviewing the work load and function of the unit to ensure that services are provided in the most cost-effective way, but that in the meantime there will be no change in the present weekend rota-care service. This particular service, which provides respite care for families of mentally handicapped and multiply handicapped children, was temporarily withdrawn earlier this year because of staff shortages but has now been reinstated.