andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Health whether on the recommendation of the Commission on Mental Health joint consultative councils composed of psychiatric nursing and administrative staff have been established in Eastern Health Board psychiatric institutions; and how often such joint councils meet in each institution.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Eastern Health Board Psychiatric Institutions.
11.
Dr. Browne
As recommended by the Commission of Inquiry on Mental Illness a joint committee, representative of medical, nursing, and lay staff, was established and has been functioning in the Eastern Health Board's psychiatric institution for two years. It is suggested that information as to the frequency and location of meetings be sought by the Deputies from the Eastern Health Board.
Does the Minister understand that one of the complaints made by the union acting on behalf of the nurses was that major changes were being made in the structure of the services, implying redeployment of nurses in various parts of the service, without reference to the nursing union?
I have no reason to suppose the committees are not working effectively.
There was a strike.