§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what occupational therapy is available for patients of the Villa psychiatric ward at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath; [53280]
(2) what work is taking place at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath to remove asbestos panelling in the Villa psychiatric ward. [53293]
(3) what recent representations he has received on behalf of patients regarding conditions at the Villa psychiatric ward at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath. [53279]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 29 April 2002]: Information on the occupational therapy services available for patients in the Villa psychiatric ward is not held centrally. However, it is recognised locally that there needs to be improvements in the provision of occupational therapy and other activities for patients. West Sussex Health and Social Care NHS Trust, which now has responsibility for the facility, is taking action as a matter of urgency to bring this about.
The Villa ward is currently undergoing refurbishment to the bathroom and toilet areas. As part of this work, it has been necessary to remove and replace asbestos panels located in the service ducts. I have been assured that the existing panels are contained within the trust's asbestos register, that the work is being undertaken by authorised asbestos removal contractors and notifications have been given to the Health and Safety Executive.
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what security arrangements are in force for protection of medical records for psychiatric patients at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath. [53281]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 29 April 2002]: Medical records for current patients are kept under lock and key on the ward. Records for discharged patients are kept under lock and key in secure rooms.
I was very concerned to learn that individuals entered the Villa Ward office and appeared to have looked at confidential records and removed other items. The break-in was reported to Sussex Police and they are currently investigating. An internal investigation is being carried out by the Trust.