§ Ms CoffeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the High Security Psychiatric Commissioning Board last made an(a) planned and (b) unplanned visit to Broadmoor. [17820]
§ Mr. Burns[holding answer 27 February 1997]: Since its inception on 1 April 1996, the High Security Psychiatric Services Commissioning Board has made numerous visits to Broadmoor. The last visit was on 7 February 1997. The HSPSCB will be making unannounced visits to each of the three high security hospitals, including Broadmoor, from 1 April 1997.
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§ Ms CoffeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about staffing levels and security matters at Broadmoor and when; and if he will make a statement. [17821]
§ Mr. Dorrell[holding answer 27 February 1997]: I received a letter from Mr. Andy Gossage of the Prison Officers Association on 19 February, which raised various concerns about Broadmoor hospital. In the light of these and other concerns, I' have asked the regional director of Anglia and Oxford regional office of the NHS executive to consider the adequacy and appropriateness of security arrangements, and the overall quality of patient care, at Broadmoor hospital, and to report to me with recommendations by the end of March.
§ Ms CoffeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the allegations of an assault by a patient on a seven-year-old girl visiting Broadmoor; and what actions his Department has undertaken in respect of the allegation. [17822]
§ Mr. Dorrell[holding answer 27 February 1997]: I understand that these allegations, dating from April 1995, were investigated at that time by both the hospital management and the local police and no evidence was found to warrant further action. The review to be carried out by the Anglia and Oxford regional office of the NHS executive will include in its consideration the arrangements within Broadmoor hospital for handling this and similar allegations.