Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 9

Written Answers. - Psychiatric Services Study.

Bernard Allen

Question:

122 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on recent reports of a Clondalkin, Dublin 22 pilot scheme which analysed community-based psychiatric services and showed a high level of stress in relatives of patients, leading to objective burden which was measured in physical and emotional illness and absenteeism from school and work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I understand from the Eastern Health Board, which is responsible for the operation of the Clondalkin project, that the recent reports referred to by the Deputy are based on a misinterpretation of research findings.

Recent research has shown that intensive delivery of psychiatric services in the community, with domiciliary intervention, can substantially lighten the burden on families associated with severe psychiatric illness. The Clondalkin project is a pilot project using these intervention techniques. The work of the project is being evaluated to document the extent to which this new approach ameliorates the burden on families. The extent of burden is being measured before and after the introduction of the new service. The first phase of the project was concerned with evaluating the burden on families coping with illness which was being treated in the traditional way. It is to the results of this phase that the reports raised by the Deputy refer. The new style of service has now commenced and, following its operation for a period of approximately three years, the burden on families with a relative who has a serious psychiatric illness will be reevaluated.

The Deputy will appreciate that this is a pilot study and that my Department will be monitoring the results carefully.