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Schizophrenic Patients

Volume 83: debated on Monday 22 July 1985

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asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice he has given to regional health authorities about facilities to be provided for the treatment of schizophrenic patients after the closure of long-stay mental hospitals.

Health authorities are well aware that there is a continuing need for long-term inpatient care for some patients, including some schizophrenic patients. Our policy paper, "Mental Illness: Policies for Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Care", says on this:

"Plans will be needed for suitable accommodation such as a hospital hostel along the lines discussed in the 1975 White Paper (para 4.54). DHSS has information on current studies in this field."
But the majority of people with schizophrenia already live at home, often with support from the psychiatric services (including admissions when necessary). We are anxious to improve the network of support for such people, and one of the projects in our "Helping the Community to Care" initiative is directed specifically to the need of people with schizophrenia.We have made it clear to health authorities that we regard it as urgent, irrespective of closure plans, that all districts should develop a local service offering both "hospital" and "non-hospital" care. The closure of some large mental illness hospitals will follow the build-up of local services.