HC Deb 20 May 1997 vol 294 cc58-9W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has regarding Arnold Lodge secure unit, Leicester; what plans he has to visit the unit; and what representations he has received relating to the unit. [271]

Mr. Boateng

The key proposals for the future of Arnold Lodge medium secure unit, Leicester, are contained within the action plan arising from the full independent review of the facility recently undertaken. The plans will improve the quality of the environment and provision of care. It will be a matter for purchasers of the service in conjunction with Leicestershire Mental Health Services national health service trust to determine the future of the service. At present, we have no plans to visit the unit and have received no representations.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he proposes to take in respect of recommendations contained in his Department's report on Arnold Lodge secure unit, Leicester; and what is the timetable for their implementation. [274]

Mr. Boateng

As a result of the full independent review of Arnold Lodge medium secure unit, Leicester, an action plan has now been submitted to Leicestershire health authority which contains over 100 recommendations.

The recommendations fall into 12 key areas ranging from security, risk management, policy and practice. The majority of these recommendations are to be implemented by the end of June 1997. A new management team has been established which has prioritised and actioned the most immediate issues. Furthermore, a capital sum of 0.5 million has been identified by the NHS executive Trent for a package of security measures. These will be implemented over the next few months

My right hon. Friend the Secretary for Health will oversee the process through the regional office which manages the performance of Leicestershire health authority and monitors the performance of the Leicestershire Mental Health Services NHS trust.