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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 1991

Vol. 407 No. 1

Written Answers. - Enniscorthy (Wexford) Hospital.

Ivan Yates

Question:

289 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that staffing levels and patient services will be maintained this year at previous years' levels at St. Senan's Hospital, Enniscorthy, County Waterford; if he will further ensure (1) that the funding will be reinstated to its previous level and (2) the proper continuity of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

In accordance with the policy outlined in the report on the development of psychiatric services, Planning for the Future, the psychiatric services are changing from an institutional to a community-based service. This has resulted in a reduction in the number of patients in psychiatric hospitals in recent years. I have had inquiries made of the South Eastern Health Board and I understand that arising from a reduction in the average number of patients in wards at St. Senan's Hospital, Enniscorthy, it is the board's intention to close a ward at the hospital which will facilitate the opening of a hostel in Enniscorthy together with a new mental health centre in Wexford later this year. This is part of the overall policy of making the psychiatric services more accessible to local communities.

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