§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the Scottish hospital advisory service on Bellsdyke hospital.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythYes. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library today.
§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take urgent action to deal with the inadequate standards of staffing, accommodation and other resources, referred to in the report of the Scottish hospital advisory service on Bellsdyke hospital.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Scottish hospital advisory service (SHAS) is a Government-funded "watchdog" service682W with an independent remit. Its report on Bellsdyke hospital contains both criticism and praise and has been sent I o Forth Valley health board to consider the findings and recommendations in the normal way. The board will advise the Scottish Home and Health Department of its proposals for follow-up action shortly. The board's strategic plans already address problems at the hospital and the recent SHAS report helps focus the attention of both the Department and the board upon the most pressing areas for action.