Agenda item

Report CSD14019

Members considered the matters arising report.

Concerning Minute 206, Bethlem Royal Hospital Update, the Chairman advised that the report on the February 2012 incident had been released, and had been seen by some members of the Committee. The Chairman advised that bi monthly meetings were taking place with SLaM, and that relations were improving. The Chairman therefore suggested that it may be appropriate to move on, and that the proposed meeting with SLaM be scrapped.

Councillor Douglas Auld commented that it was two years since this incident had occurred, and that there were still no satisfactory answers. Councillor Auld felt that this was not good enough, and that answers were required from questions that had been raised.

The Portfolio Holder stated that the report was in circulation, and that it was damning against SLaM. The report highlighted inefficiencies, with recommended actions. SLaM were of the opinion that these actions were no longer required as the ward in question was now closed. The Portfolio Holder continued with the suggestion that SLaM be invited to one of the meetings of the Public Protection and Safety PDS Committee.

Councillor Auld commented that he was looking for a way ahead, and said that the attitude of the management at SlaM was negative. The emphasis should now be focused on how everyone involved could learn from past errors, and move forward for the benefit of all concerned.

The Portfolio Holder felt that matters were now moving on in a more positive direction, and that relations with SLaM had greatly improved; this had in part been facilitated by the appointment of a new Director. Further, it was likely that a seat would be offered to someone from the Public Protection and Safety Committee to sit on the SLaM Board of Governors. This was likely to be agreed by February.

The Portfolio Holder highlighted a difference in opinion as to how the security issues were being looked at by SLaM and by the Public Protection & Safety Committee. It was the opinion of the Committee, and of many members of the public, that security needed improving at Bethlem. The view of SLaM was that the facility was a hospital and not a prison, and that serious security issues would be a matter for the Police.

Councillor Jane Beckley commented that it was in SLaM’s interests to be open about these matters to allay public concerns.

Councillor Nicholas Bennett expressed concern that this was a matter of public confidence, and questioned why the report could not be published. He stated that the establishment was a forensic unit that accommodated some very serious offenders. Councillor Bennett stated that he would like to see the new Chief Executive attend a Public Protection and Safety PDS Committee meeting, and also attend a meeting of the West Wickham Resident’s Association.

It was agreed that SLaM would be invited to the next meeting of the Public Protection & Safety PDS Committee in July 2014, where these issues could be discussed further. 

It was further agreed that copies of the sensitive 2012 report would be made available to Members in a Committee Room an hour before the commencement of the Public Protection and Safety PDS Committee. 

RESOLVED that matters arising from previous meetings be noted.