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Secure Units

Mr. Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department has issued to local authorities for the siting of medium secure units for the treatment of people with dangerous and severe personality disorders; and if he will make a statement. [210783]

Ms Rosie Winterton: There has been no national guidance issued to local authorities for the siting of medium secure units for the treatment of people with dangerous and severe personality disorder. Any business case for such a unit should be dealt with locally
 
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and would be subject to local planning permission, scrutiny by local authority scrutiny committees and oversight and agreement by the local strategic health authority as with any other business case.
 
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There is guidance advising on aspects of the physical infrastructure of a medium secure unit. This guidance can be accessed by registering on the knowledge and information portal at http://www.nhsestates.gov.uk.

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