§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what definition he uses of(a) high secure beds, (h) medium secure beds, (c) low secure beds and (d) long-term secure beds in relation to hospitals. [87441]
§ Jacqui SmithHigh secure beds are intended for those who pose a grave and immediate danger to others. The perimeter security of these hospitals has recently been upgraded to be equivalent of that of a category B prison. There are three such hospitals: Rampton, Broadmoor and Ashworth.
Medium secure beds are designed for those who pose a lesser risk and, although there is significant perimeter security, the emphasis is on security derived from the close attention of the staff of the units.
Low secure beds are those for people who present a minimal risk, often to themselves. They are not designed to prevent a determined escape, and may consist of no more than a locked door to an otherwise conventional ward.
Long-term secure beds can be either medium or low secure, and are specifically designed for those who are expected to need to stay in hospital for longer than two years.