HC Deb 11 June 1990 vol 174 c26W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will meet the chair of Gwynedd health authority to discuss the proposal to move psychiatric services to Ysbyty Bryn-Y-Neuadd; and if he will take steps to ensure that proposals are consistant with the all-Wales strategy for mental illness.

Mr. Grist

I am not aware of any formal proposal to move psychiatric services to Ysbyty Bryn-Y-Neauadd nor have I been asked for a discussion by the chair of Gwynedd health authority.

Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has received from Gwynedd health authority any proposal for the relocation of psychiatric services out of Ysbyty Gwynedd; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Grist

No. Any proposal entailing a substantial variation in services would of course be subject to the usual requirements for consultation.

Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether the all-Wales strategy for mental illness recommends reversion to the asylum concept of care for mentally ill people, in place of general-hospital-based services.

Mr. Grist

No. It is recognised that the behaviour or condition of a small proportion of mental illness sufferers will continue to require the provision of a protected environment for them, and it is anticipated that any necessary in-patient treatment will be provided at district general hospital units. However, it is a fundamental principle of the mental illness strategy that the great majority of those who need assessment and treatment should receive it in their own locality and within their usual social environment.

Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which health authorities have agreed to the all-Wales strategy for mental illness; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Grist

All health authorities in Wales are participants in the relevant multi-agency county-based teams responsible for the planning and implementation of the mental illness strategy at local level. They are thus all party to the local plans which have formed the basis of funding allocated for the current year.