§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received relating to the extent of racism at Broadmoor; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. BowisWe have received no specific representations about racism at Broadmoor hospital, but we recognise, as does the Special Hospitals Service Authority, the importance of ensuring that the needs of black and other ethnic minority patients both there and in the other special hospitals receive proper attention. The recent report of the inquiry into the death of Mr. Orville Blackwood while a patient at Broadmoor made a number of recommendations directed to this. The report was welcomed by the SHSA, which will be reporting to me under the accountability review procedure on progress in implementing the recommendations. Broadmoor hospital has already introduced a strategy for improving services for black and other ethnic minority patients and has appointed a consultant to help establish closer links with relevant community and support organisations. Copies of the report are available in the Library.