§ Mr. Robin CookTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what mechanisms his Department has established to oversee the transfer of residents of long-stay institutions to the community; and if they are working satisfactorily.
§ Mr. MellorIt is for health authorities, in consultation with social services departments and other care agencies to determine arrangements for the transfer of residents of long-stay institutions to the community. The annual accountability review process is the principal mechanism by which health authorities' performance across the whole range of their activities is monitored by the Department. During the course of this year, we intend to get a clearer picture of the development of mental health services throughout the country. The objective is to provide us with a properly informed basis for considering whether there are any steps it would be right and proper for us to take to improve the care of mentally disordered people, including former long-stay patients now in the community.
§ Mr. Robin CookTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he now expects to respond to the report by Sir Roy Griffiths on community care;
(2) if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on community care.
§ Mr. MellorWe remain committed to a policy of promoting the development of community services so that people can return to, or remain in, the community and live as independently as possible, wherever this is best for them. We are currently giving active consideration to the future organisation and management of community care following Sir Roy Griffiths' report and hope to be in a position to bring forward our own proposals in the near future.