asked the Minister for Health the number of community care nurses employed by the Eastern Health Board who are available to give advice in the homes of persons where mentally handicapped adults or children reside; if he considers that the number available is adequate or satisfactory; and if not, the number of nurses that would reasonably be required for this purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Community Care Nurses.
85.
The Eastern Health Board in 1980 commenced a special training course for public health nurses in the area of counselling services for families of the mentally handicapped. Out of a total of 390 public health nurses employed by the Eastern Health Board, some 37 nurses have undertaken the two courses completed to date. A further 19 nurses will have completed the third course by the end of this year. It is the health board's intention to continue the courses on an annual basis with a view to training as many public health nurses as possible in this particular area.
I should say also, that as part of their general duties all public health nurses would be expected to be involved to a certain extent in counselling the families of disabled persons living at home including the mentally handicapped. In addition, the voluntary organisations operating special services for the mentally handicapped in the Eastern Health Board area, as part of the services, provide advice for the families of the mentally handicapped. In general, I am satisfied that the services available are adequate, but I will be keeping the matter under review.