asked the Minister for Health the present position regarding the provision of alternative psychiatric facilities for patients from County Kildare currently in St. Dympna's Hospital, Carlow; the proposals he has in relation to (a) St. Dympna's Hospital and (b) the necessary alternative accommodation, which is proposed for County Kildare; the present position regarding negotiations between his Department, the Eastern Health Board and the South Eastern Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Psychiatric Facilities for Kildare Patients.
146.
As the Deputy no doubt is aware, psychiatric services in County Carlow and in a major part of County Kildare have traditionally been provided from St. Dympna's Hospital, Carlow. In accordance with the policy outlined in the report "Planning for the Future" it is the intention of both the South Eastern and the Eastern Health Boards to develop community based psychiatric services in Counties Carlow and Kildare respectively. As for County Kildare, this will necessitate the provision of a range of facilities including an in-patient unit, day care units and hostels. I have approved the tenders for a new admission unit and day hospital at Naas General Hospital and construction work is expected to commence in the near future. Pending the completion of this unit, the Eastern Health Board will be in a position to provide interim admission facilities for patients from County Kildare. In addition, my Department has made capital resources available to the Eastern Health Board to enable them to provide day care and hostel facilities so that they can begin to take over the care of County Kildare patients now in St. Dympna's and to provide an alternative service to people in County Kildare who require psychiatric care. Discussions between the two Boards are continuing with a view to commencing these services.