Vol. 394 No. 8
92 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Health the discussions he has had with the Western Health Board on the role and future of St. Patrick's Hospital, Castlerea, County Roscommon, in the area of psychiatric/geriatric care in 1990; and if he will make a statement on any future plans for this hospital.
386 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement giving details of any guarantees, undertakings or promises which the Taoiseach entered into with any Member of Dáil Éireann since the general election in relation to the urgently needed upgrading and improvement in hospital services in County Roscommon, in relation to the County Hospital in Roscommon town, The Sacred Heart Geriatric Care Hospital in Roscommon and St. Patrick's Psychiatric Hospital, Castlerea.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 386 together.
The Deputy will be aware that I gave an undertaking in this House on 15 November last that I intended to ensure that hospital services at Roscommon General Hospital are fully maintained. Nothing has changed in this regard.
Psychiatric services in County Roscommon are being developed and improved and I have provided the necessary capital resources to the board to enable a new 30-bed acute psychiatric unit at the general hospital to be completed. The Deputy will be aware that the report —Planning for the Future— envisaged that acute psychiatric services should be developed in conjunction with services in acute general hospitals. This approach will continue to guide the planning of services in County Roscommon. In addition, a range of back-up community based facilities, such as support hostels, day centres, workshops and community residences are being put in place in various locations throughout County Roscommon. The nature of future services to be provided in St. Patrick's Hospital, Castlerea, is the subject of discussions between my Department and the Western Health Board. The Western Health Board will be maintaining adequate services at the Sacred Heart Home in Roscommon.
In all consultations and discussions which have taken place in relation to hospital services in County Roscommon the primary concern of all parties has been and will continue to be the welfare of the people of the county.
