§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether any video cameras have been installed at Ashworth hospital for the purpose of monitoring patients.
§ Mr. DorrellVideo cameras are used solely for monitoring the movement of patients in the hospital grounds and for security surveillance of visitors entering and leaving the hospital. There are no cameras installed in the ward areas.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to institute an independent public inquiry into events at Ashworth hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellThe chief executive of the Special Hospitals Service Authority stated on 5 March that there would be a full and searching inquiry into the incidents described in the programme "A Special Hospital". We are in touch with the authority about the form the inquiry should take. An announcement will be made as soon as this has been decided.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he proposes to take so as to ensure that the seclusion rooms at Ashworth hospital are properly monitored by service staff at all times.
§ Mr. DorrellThe Special Hospitals Service Authority informs me that it has reviewed and revised its policies 495W relating to seclusion. The new policies take account of the guidance in the code of practice under section 118 of the Mental Health Act 1983 which the Department issued in 1990, and have been discussed with the Mental Health Act Commission. They include stricter criteria for observing patients in seclusion. The new policies are now in operation together with formal arrangements for monitoring their effectiveness. The authority has agreed with the Commission to keep this matter under review.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will obtain a copy of the film, "A Special Hospital" shown on Channel 4 on 4 March, for his departmental library.
§ Mr. DorrellWe already have a recording of this broadcast.