HC Deb 19 December 2003 vol 416 cc195-6W
Helen Southworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the provision of specialist NHS services for people who are diagnosed as having a mental illness who also have a drug or alcohol dependency. [142770]

Ms Rosie Winterton

The Government have not undertaken an assessment of specialised services for people diagnosed with a mental illness who also have a drug or alcohol dependency.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for compiling, analysing and disseminating information relating to United Kingdom economic, social and demographic statistics. Their report "Psychiatric morbidity among adults living in private households, 2000" is available on the website at www.statistics.gov.uk. Along with others due for publication next year, the report contains valuable information about the prevalence of mental disorders including those with problems relating to substance misuse among adults over the age of 16 in private households.

Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many patients of mental health hospitals have been found in possession of illegal drugs while resident in the last year; and if he will make a statement; [145023]

(2) what measures he is taking to prevent the sale of illegal drugs to patients of mental health hospitals. [145057]

Ms Rosie Winterton

Guidance on the use of illegal substances in in-patient and day-care settings is being prepared and will be issued in early 2004.

The guidelines will support managers and clinicians in developing local policies promoting the safety of patients, staff and visitors and the effective care and treatment of patients who misuse substances.

The Counter Fraud and Security Management Service (CFSMS) was launched in April 2003 with a new remit encompassing policy and operational responsibility for the management of security in the national health service. The remit is broad but has been defined as protecting people and property. One of the key areas which the CFSMS will be addressing is ensuring the security of drugs, prescription forms and hazardous materials.

No central records are kept of number of patients who are caught misusing illegal substances.