HC Deb 17 March 1986 vol 94 c52W
Mr. Irving

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if there are any limitations on the number of rehabilitative days out for patients detained at Park lane hospital; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he has any plans to increase the level of resources available for rehabilitation at Park lane hospital; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitney

Visits outside the hospital for purposes of rehabilitation, either with a group of other patients or individually, are matters for decision by the responsible medical officer, in consultation with other members of the clinical team. At Park lane hospital, outside visits by patients subject to restriction orders who have the Home Secretary's approval for absence from the hospital, are subject to the overall control of the hospital's leave of absence committee, which takes account of clinical and security considerations and any other relevant matters.

As with all other aspects of the hospital's work, arrangements for outside visits, which frequently require escorting staff, must be made within the total volume of resources allocated to the hospital. We have ensured that Park lane hospital is well provided with resources. No increases are planned for this specific purpose.