HC Deb 05 June 1992 vol 208 cc669-70W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many representations were made to her Department between 1985 and 1989 about the alleged failure of a certain consultant psychiatrist, whose name has been supplied to her, to comply with the requirements of part IV of the Mental Health Act 1983 in treating patients at Dorset house, Broadmoor special hospital; what was the nature of the alleged failures in compliance; what assessment was made of the validity of these representations; and what action was taken to ensure that all patients treated at Dorset house received the legal protection to which they were entitled under the Act;

(2) what assessment was made by the Mental Health Act Commission of the alleged failure of a certain consultant psychiatrist, whose name has been supplied to her, to comply with part IV of the Mental Health Act 1983 in treating patients at Dorset house, Broadmoor special hospital between 1985 and 1989;

(3) what were the circumstances and terms of the agreement under which a certain consultant psychiatrist, whose name has been supplied to her, ceased to be employed at Broadmoor hospital; what is his current employment; and what responsibilities this includes for persons detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 and treated under part IV of that Act.

Mr. Yeo

The consultant concerned took early retirement from Broadmoor hospital in December 1989. I cannot comment on representations or allegations about an individual employee or on the terms of any settlement which may have been agreed with that employee. His responsibilities in any subsequent national health service employment would be a matter for the employing body. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is required by section 120(1) of the Mental Health Act 1983 to keep under review the exercise of the powers and the discharge of the duties conferred or imposed by the Act relating to the detention of patients or to patients liable to be detained under the Act. This function is performed on my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's behalf by the Mental Health Act Commission as required by section 121(2) of the Act. Throughout the period from 1985 to 1989 Dorset house was visited regularly by members of the Commission. Their findings were reported to the Department which considered them and took action as necessary (from 1 October 1989 this became the direct responsibility of the newly-established Special Hospitals Service Authority).