§ 21. Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what inquiries are made before a mentally sick person is returned to live alone in the community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThis will depend entirely on the circumstances of each individual case. Consultant psychiatrists are responsible for discharge decisions and we should expect them to assure themselves that appropriate aftercare arrangements have been made, where necessary. It should be remembered, however, that most patients are not detained and are free to discharge themselves whenever they choose.