asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he is placing greater emphasis on the community-based side of psychiatric services; and how this will change the role of nurses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Psychiatric Services.
5.
There is a commitment in every new development in the psychiatric services to maintenance of the psychiatric patient in the community. Health boards are being encouraged to develop plans which will give adequate emphasis to out-patient facilities and, in general, planning for the future assumes a considerable shift from in-patient care to treatment in the community.
The emphasis on community treatment will be reflected in the future role of the psychiatric nurse. A report of a working party which was appointed to examine and report on the psychiatric nursing services is being examined by my Department in consultation with the unions concerned. I am not, therefore, at present in a position to say what detailed changes there my be in regard to future structure of the service.