Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 June 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 June 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what gymnasium facilities are available in each mental health hospital in England.

Answer: Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what gymnasium facilities are available in each mental health hospital in England. [178347] Ms Rosie Winterton: This information is not centrally available. All new mental health buildings are designed to specific functional and space standards, which are provided in Health Building Notes (HBN). HBN 35, "Accommodation for people with mental illness", acknowledges that physical exercise is important both as recreation and because of the positive link between physical and mental health. HBN 35 states that it is a local decision whether to provide a gymnasium or a fitness room.

Secondary information