asked the Minister for Health if it is intended to transfer mentally handicapped patients from psychiatric hospitals and, if so, when.
Written Answers. - Transfer of Mentally Handicapped.
399.
I indicated in my reply to a question by the Deputy on 4 July last (Official Report, Volume 315, columns 17171718) that it is my policy to end the further admission of mentally handicapped persons to psychiatric hospitals as soon as sufficient alternative accommodation has been provided in special residential centres.
It is not possible, however, as a general policy, to transfer existing mentally handicapped patients from psychiatric hospitals. Apart from the problem of providing the necessary number of residential places for such patients it is doubtful if many of them because of their age would benefit significantly from a change of environment. Those remaining in psychiatric hospitals are, as far as possible, segregated from other types of patients which facilitates the provision of services to meet their specific needs.
These arrangement do not rule out the transfer to special residential centres of very young patients or others who would clearly benefit from such a transfer.