Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 1990

Vol. 394 No. 8

Written Answers. - Dublin Psychiatric Hospital.

Ivan Yates

Question:

37 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the situation in relation to the recent closing down of sections of St. Brendan's Psychiatric Hospital, Dublin 7 and the movement of patients, whereby it is alleged that some 30 elderly patients were moved to Unit J which was a former dance hall; whether there was a lack of proper preparation for the transfer of these patients; whether they were transferred while construction work continued; if he will clarify the conditions of the unit; whether he considers them satisfactory; and the steps, if any, he is taking to improve the situation.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

It has been Eastern Health Board policy for some years to phase out the Lower House at St. Brendan's Hospital because of the unsatisfactory condition of the building and the serious risk of fire. The board gradually transferred patients to suitable alternative locations either to other hospital settings or to the community.

In November 1988 a fire was discovered in a vacant area of the Lower House which was brought under control with no loss of life. At that stage there were upwards of 200 patients still being cared for there and following the recommendations of a professional fire consultant, the board decided, in view of the very serious risk of a further outbreak of fire, to transfer the remaining patients as quickly as possible.

By December 1989 there were 50 patients remaining in the Lower House and these were transferred to alternative accommodation by 15 December. The fear of a total failure of the electrical and heating systems in the Lower House made it imperative to transfer patients out of the building without further delay.

Unit J, to which 30 of the remaining 50 patients were transferred, was the Geriatric Assessment/Rehabilitation Unit for St. Laurence's Hospital and operated as such until the transfer of services to Beaumont Hospital. This unit was reopened by the Eastern Health Board in August 1987 to accommodate 30 patients from the Lower House. It was not possible to complete necessary adaptations before the unit was brought up to full patient complement on December 15. However, this was completed within two days. The Eastern Health Board has indicated that this work was similar to that which takes place on an ongoing basis in most hospitals. I am satisfied that conditions in Unit J have been brought to a satisfactory level. It is the board's intention to gradually transfer patients from Unit J over the next two/three months to alternative accommodation.

I think the Deputy will appreciate that given the very difficult situation regarding the condition of the Lower House, the Eastern Health Board acted as quickly as possible and at all times in the best interests of patients in its care.