§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the cost of care in medium secure units for patients discharged from special hospitals; and what are the arrangements for the financing of this continuing care; [356]
(2) how many patients from special hospitals are expected to be discharged in (a) 1995, (b) 1996 and (c) 1997; and how many of those are Birmingham residents; [3534]
(3) what impact the discharge of patients from special hospitals will have on the availability of places at Reaside medium secure unit. [3535]
§ Mr. BowisDistrict health authorities are responsible for meeting the costs of care for special hospital patients who require continuing health care including care in conditions of medium security. The costs of such care will depend on the facilities provided and the clinical needs of the patient.
Information on the district of residence of special hospital patients and the anticipated number of discharges from the three special hospitals is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairman of the Special Hospitals Service Authority which is responsible for managing the special hospitals, about these matters.
The impact of special hospital discharges on medium secure units is a matter for consideration by the managers of each unit and the health authorities that purchase its services.