Mental Health (Hansard, 3 November 2003)

§ Mr. Burstow
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the efficiency of each Mental Health Review Tribunal English administrative office; and if he will make a statement. [134196]

§ Ms Rosie Winterton
Each Mental Health Review Tribunal office was examined in detail during the Robert Lee review. Robert Lee reported that each office had regional variations in efficiency and practice, linked to their geographical position and workload.
The benefits of consolidating the regional offices into one model across two closely linked centres, chime with those set out in the review of tribunals and the independent review of the Mental Health Review Tribunal administration.

§ Mr. Burstow
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the benefits of establishing a single English administrative office of the Mental Health Review Tribunal; and if he will make a statement. [134197]

§ Ms Rosie Winterton
In 2001, Sir Andrew Leggatt reported to the Lord Chancellor on his review of tribunals. His recommendations included a central administration for all tribunals.
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In early 2002, Robert Lee undertook a review of the administration of the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT). He reported in October, and a key recommendation was to reduce the four MHRT offices to one in order to support consistency of practice, systems and use of resources.
Both reports supported a single administration. Current plans are to rationalise the service over two centres in London. Benefits will be: consistency of approach to the management and listing of cases; better and more flexible use of staff and judicial resources; and assurance for the Secretary of State for Health that his statutory obligations are met.

§ Mr. Burstow
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors underlay(a) the decision to maintain the two London offices of the Mental Health Review Tribunal and (b) the timing of the reorganisation; and if he will make a statement. [134198]

§ Ms Rosie Winterton
The decision to consolidate the administration in the two London offices is based upon the availability of suitable accommodation and the retention of as much staff expertise as possible.
The timing is part of a project plan to deliver the consolidation of the administrative model by the end of this financial year.

§ Tim Loughton
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on access to patient records by patients with mental illnesses. [134807]

§ Ms Rosie Winterton
Access to patient records by any patient, regardless of whether they are mentally ill, must be in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.

§ Tim Loughton
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on access to mental health records of patients by voluntary sector bodies providing care to those patients. [134808]

§ Ms Rosie Winterton
Access to mental health records by voluntary sector bodies must be in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, common law obligations of confidentiality and other relevant legislation.