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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Apr 1967

Vol. 228 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Psychiatric Nursing Staffs.

19.

asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the great dissatisfaction existing among psychiatric nursing staffs in some hospitals due to the reported intention to introduce a scheme for the integration of psychiatric nursing staffs and patients; and if he will request the health authorities concerned not to proceed with the imposition of such a drastic change without first having serious consultation with the representatives of the trade unions of which the psychiatric nurses are members.

Mr. O'Malley

I am not so aware. I have already consulted a number of trade unions regarding a proposal from one local authority which would lead to greater co-ordination of nursing activities within the hospital. Objections to the proposal have been made by one union but the reasons for the objections are not clear and I have asked representatives of the union to come in to discuss the matter with officials of my Department. The local authority's proposal in this case is in accordance with the recommendations of the Commission on Mental Illness.

The Commission has also stated that female nurses have an essential part to play in the care and treatment of male patients and that their presence in male wards has a most beneficial effect. The Commission further considers that male nurses have a very important part to play and it has stated that for many male patients nursing care can most suitably be provided by male nurses.

The integration of male and female patients has already taken place to some extent in some district mental hospitals. I am not aware that this development, so clearly directed towards the welfare of patients, is causing dissatisfaction among psychiatric nursing staffs.

The recommendations of the Commission on Mental Illness on the co-ordination of nursing activities and on the integration of male and female patients are being examined and the Deputy can be assured that any views in these matters put forward by the psychiatric nurses will receive most careful consideration.

On a point of order. I had a question down for today's Order Paper but it has not appeared on it. I have no note about refusal to accept it.

Investigations are being made in my Office as to the validity of the question and, if it is found satisfactory, it will appear on the Order Paper.

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