Phil Prendergast (Labour)

It is having an adverse impact on people.

I am a long time in politics but was never so moved as yesterday when parents of some of the inpatients in the Central Mental Hospital articulated their views so eloquently on issues about which we would never know. I am sure it was very difficult for them to outline their views on the management of health services. The decision to locate the hospital at Thornton Hall is not in accordance with international best practice. Decisions to locate different institutions on a single site have been reversed in many countries. It would be helpful if the decision on the Central Mental Hospital were re-examined in a positive way.

I would like the Minister for Health and Children to be invited to the House to outline her views on the home birth programme. What does she believe to be the way forward regarding those women who want to give birth at home? What are her views on the management of the service?