asked the Minister for Health if a decision has been made to close Our Lady's Hospital, Ennis, County Clare, as the medical staff believe there is a plan to redistribute the 451 chronic cases currently receiving attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Our Lady's Hospital, Ennis.
116.
No decision has been taken to close Our Lady's Hospital, Ennis, County Clare. The Mid-Western Health Board, in common with all the health boards, is developing plans for the establishment of a community-based psychiatric service. The plans, and their implementation, are the subject of ongoing discussions between officers of my Department, representatives of the board and administrative, medical and nursing staff of Our Lady's Hospital. The most recent meeting was on 15 October. As in all other areas, the full implementation of the plan will result in the provision of psychiatric services at local points throughout the catchment area, in this instance centred on Ennis, Ennistymon, Shannon and Kilrush.