§ Mr. EadieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the use by health boards of the pocket money of long-stay psychiatric patients to buy their personal clothing: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 24 February 1992]: Hospitals are strongly encouraged by boards to use the savings of patients who are unable to look after their own affairs in an imaginative way for their benefit. They know that balances should not build up to high levels unless there are particular personal circumstances to justify this. Many of these patients are very elderly, frail and suffer from dementia. The opportunities to spend money on them creatively are limited. Buying new clothes and dressing well is one of the few pleasures nursing staff can help very dependent elderly people to enjoy.