§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the rôle of health and local authorities in 67W relation to the provision of aftercare for all former patients who have suffered mental disorder; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe primary objective of aftercare is to ensure that the discharged patient remains mentally fit and can return as far as possible to a normal life.
Any requirement for continuity of treatment remains the responsibility of the health authority. The local authority would be expected to meet assessed needs for community support, such as residential care, day care, domiciliary and social work support. Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983 places a duty on both health and local authorities to consider and arrange provision of the aftercare needs of discharged patients formerly detained under certain sections of that Act.