Bernard J. Durkan
Question:135 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his proposals for the improvement of buildings of psychiatric or special hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Psychiatric Hospitals.
The maintenance of and improvements to buildings at psychiatric hospitals is the responsibility of the appropriate health board.
The Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for the years ending 31 December 1988 and 1989 was critical of the condition of some buildings at psychiatric hospitals. Significant progress has been made by the health boards in improving standards in the intervening years and the Inspector has expressed his satisfaction at these improvements in subsequent reports.
TheProgramme for Economic and Social Progress outlines a seven year programme to develop a community oriented service providing facilities outside the traditional psychiatric hospital setting. This policy is based on the principles set out in the Study Group Report “Planning for the Future”. In relation to capital developments for the mentally ill, the Programme for Economic and Social Progress states that resources will be made available to provide for:
—the continued development of specialist assessment and rehabilitation units associated with the main general hospitals;
—additional places in day centres, workshops and supported hostels.
Health boards have prepared plans to implement these commitments over the lifetime of the programme. These plans are currently being examined in my Department and will form the basis for the further development of services for the mentally ill with the resources to be made available under theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress.