andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Health if in view of the fact that there are only three full-time psychologists in a total of 23 public psychiatric hospitals he proposes to take any steps to ensure that such an essential service is provided without delay to those hospitals which do not have the service available.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Psychiatric Service.
4.
Dr. Browne, Mr. M. O'Leary
The question of the employment of psychologists in the psychiatric service is a matter for consideration by mental hospital authorities in the first instance. In a communication which issued from my Department on the 29th August last these authorities were advised that each hospital should consider to what extent additional ancillary staff was needed. From replies received I am satisfied that mental hospital authorities are in general alive to the need of utilising the services of psychologists. In addition to three full-time psychologists mentioned, the services of psychologists are availed of on a part-time basis in seven hospitals.
I propose to discuss the matter further at a meeting with managers and resident medical superintendents which I propose to hold in the near future.
5.
Dr. Browne, Mr. M. O'Leary
andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Health when he hopes to have the report of the informal committee on matters relating to the staffing problems in the psychiatric service.
I received the report last week.
I might perhaps add that discussion on a number of matters affecting the medical staffing of the psychiatric service between officers of my Department, representatives of the county and city managers and representatives of the Irish Medical Association and the Medical Union are taking place today.
6.
Dr. Browne, Mr. M. O'Leary
andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Health whether the legal liability for extensive stock keeping imposed on charge nurses in the psychiatric service is a serious impediment to their carrying out the psychiatric duties for which they are trained; and, if so, whether he intends to make any changes in the present arrangements to facilitate the carrying out of the recommendations on this matter in the Commission of Inquiry on Mental Illness, 1966.
The liability to which the Deputies refer was imposed on charge nurses under an order made in 1946. It was the intention to change this provision, with others relating to other staffs, co-incident with the establishment of the new health boards; but I have now decided to deal with the matter to which the Deputy refers without waiting for this change of administration and will do so in the near future.
When the Minister says "in the near future" does he mean three months, six months or a year?
We hope to be able to deal with it in the next three months. As the Deputy knows, it is a question of psychiatric nurses having to do all sorts of clerical duties and stock-keeping duties which do not relate to their work at all. We hope to be able to make these changes very soon.