Special Hospitals Service Authority

Special Hospitals Service Authority
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Formation	1989
Type	NHS Authority
Headquarters	London, United Kingdom
Membership	N/A
Language	N/A
Leader title	N/A
Leader name	N/A
Website	N/A

The Special Hospitals Service Authority (SHSA) was an NHS authority in England that was established in 1989 and dissolved in 1996. It was responsible for managing the three high-security psychiatric hospitals in England: Broadmoor Hospital, Rampton Secure Hospital, and Ashworth Hospital.

History

The SHSA was created to oversee the management and operation of the high-security hospitals, which provide care and treatment for patients with severe mental health disorders who require a secure environment. These hospitals are part of the National Health Service and play a crucial role in the mental health care system in the UK.

Responsibilities

The authority was tasked with ensuring that the hospitals provided high-quality care while maintaining security and safety for both patients and staff. This included overseeing the implementation of treatment programs, managing hospital facilities, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.

Dissolution

In 1996, the SHSA was dissolved, and the management of the high-security hospitals was transferred to individual NHS Trusts. This change was part of a broader reorganization of the NHS aimed at improving efficiency and accountability in the management of healthcare services.

Legacy

The dissolution of the SHSA marked a significant shift in the management of high-security psychiatric care in England. The transition to NHS Trusts allowed for more localized management and integration with other healthcare services, which aimed to enhance the quality of care provided to patients.

See also

• Broadmoor Hospital
• Rampton Secure Hospital
• Ashworth Hospital
• Mental health in the United Kingdom
• National Health Service

References

K.,

 The Making of the UK Mental Health Act 1983, 
  
 Routledge, 
 1993, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-0415070460,

National Health Service Full text,

 nhs.uk,