asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his policy in relation to the admission of mentally handicapped persons to psychiatric hospitals for long stay care; if he will ensure that in future residential care for all mentally handicapped persons at present and in the future will be provided in special facilities to meet the needs of the mentally handicapped; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Needs of Mentally Handicapped.
235.
It is my policy that there should be no further admissions of people with a mental handicap to psychiatric hospitals.
The principle underlying the development of mental handicap services is that structures should be available to enable people to live in the community for as long as is possible. Where this is not possible, residential provision will be provided in specialist units.