§ Mr. GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he has taken to ensure that regional health authorities conform to his advice contained in the policy paper on mental illness services, Cmnd 9674, on the retention in mental illness hospitals of patients whose condition is unlikely to improve; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe responsibility for assessing and providing in-patient care rests with health authorities. This will include long-stay facilities, in-patient and out-patient work and new developments such as hospital hostels. The main method by which health authorities are held accountable for their work is by annual ministerial review. Mental illness services are included in these reviews.