§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance the Scottish Office has issued to Scottish health boards relating to the closure of staffed beds for the treatment of mental health and psycho-geriatric patients. [14526]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. Friend has issued no such guidance. Guidance has been issued on the role and responsibilities of the NHS in continuing care and on the arrangements to apply for the transfer of resources to local authorities where patients have transferred from the NHS to more appropriate forms of care. The organisation and provision of all mental health services is determined by clinical assessment and local need. It is for the individual health boards to assess the needs for their population and to purchase mental health services accordingly. In so doing they are expected to have due regard for the Government's community care objectives and what is best for individuals.