§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to transfer mentally handicapped patients from the Church Hill House hospital, Bracknell, to community care settings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonIt is for the health authority and the local authority to co-operate to provide a comprehensive range of co-ordinated health and social services for mentally handicapped people and their families. The total number of residents at Church Hill House is expected to fall from 220 in April 1987 to 165 by April 1990. Community provision is expected to increase by 75 long-term beds and 29 short-term care beds. The East Berkshire health authority has also made significant progress in the provision of four community teams and a range of day care in co-operation with social services to ensure that people in the community are adequately supported. A decision about the remaining residents and the long-term future of the hospital will be taken in the light of the success in developing new services.