Dykebar Hospital (Hansard, 24 February 1992)

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what support services are available for patients from Dykebar hospital, Paisley who have been or will be released into the community; and which agencies he expects to provide each service.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
The requirements of each patient will vary depending on their individual needs. Only those patients who are inappropriately placed in hospital and who would benefit from the move will be considered for a community placement. Patients would be offered such a placement only if appropriate support arrangements were in place.

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received in relation to the services provided by Dykebar hospital, Paisley.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
Since July 1987 I have received only one such representation, relating in that case to laundry services at Dykebar.

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with Argyll and Clyde health board regarding the services and facilities provided at Dykebar hospital, Paisley; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
None. It is, however, open to the board to raise any issue, at any time as part of the regular meetings and contact that is established to discuss the full range of services and strategic issues.

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much(a) has been spent, (b) is being spent and (c) is planned to be spent on the development of Dykebar hospital, Paisley; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
A total of £7.4 million has been invested since 1984 to the end of the financial year 1991–92 and a further investment of £2 million is planned within the next three years.

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what capital developments are currently taking place at Dykebar hospital, Paisley, and what is the purpose and financial value of each development.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
The development of a £1.3 million purpose-built 24-bedded intensive therapy clinic for acutely disturbed patients and the provision of a new £150,000 dispensary are currently underway.
In addition, there are five minor capital developments with a total value of £125,000 which are designed to improve the amenity and facilities for patients in the hospital.
390W
The decentralisation of the hospital boiler plant is currently being planned at an estimated cost of £250,000. This investment will potentially yield an energy efficiency saving of £50,000 per annum.

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many in-patients there are currently at Dykebar hospital, Paisley; and what is the projection for the current and future years.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
On 11 February this year there were 437 in-patients at Dykebar hospital. The Argyll and Clyde health board expects that level to be maintained for the current year and beyond.

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial assistance has been or will be earmarked for local authorities and other agencies to provide support and assistance to patients who have been or will be released into the community from Dykebar hospital, Paisley.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
It is for the Argyll and Clyde health board, the local authorities and other agencies to determine from within the financial and other resources available to them what level of provision is appropriate to the needs of any patients transferring from Dykebar hospital.
I announced on 18 November last that funds available to local authorities under the mental illness specific grant scheme would double for 1992–93 to £6 million. I have also recently announced that £33 million in total will be available during the period 1991–92 to 1994–95 under the bridging finance scheme to assist their programmes of care in the community. Of this, some £2.26 million has been allocated to Argyll and Clyde health board and it has been invited to submit bids for a further allocation.
These decisions underline the Government's main aim of improving the quality of life for the mentally ill and their carers and our commitment to assisting health boards and local authorities in providing facilities in the community to reduce the number of people inappropriately placed in hospital.

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the long-term future of Dykebar hospital, Paisley; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
Such matters fall entirely for consideration by the Argyll and Clyde health board.

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to dispose of land or assets associated with Dykebar hospital, Paisley; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
There are no current plans to dispose of land or assets associated with Dykebar hospital, other than a small strip of roadway which was not required for health service purposes, and over which the health board will retain a right of access.
391W

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to review the services and facilities provided at Dykebar hospital, Paisley; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
It is for Argyll and Clyde health board to review continuously the needs of the population that it services and how to meet these. The managers and clinicians at Dykebar hospital should also consider regularly how its services can be improved and should discuss that with the board.