Donal Carey
Question:64 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the progress being made to effect the switch promised by the Government of care provision from hospitals to community-based services.
Written Answers. - Health Care.
The Government's policy in recent years has been to reorientate the health services towards community-based care wherever this is appropriate. In last year's Review of the Programme for Government, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to the development of comprehensive community-based services.
Despite the difficult budgetary environment of the past few years, very significant progress has been made in the development of general practice, the provision of health centres, day hospitals and community-based support services for the elderly and for those with physical or mental disabilities, and the fundamental change in the psychiatric service from an institution-based service to one based in the community. All of these developments are taking place in a planned progressive manner, based on the recommendations of the various expert groups which reported on each service. Over the last two Budgets, the Government has increased the level of annual expenditure on community-based and associated services by £16 million so that the pace of development can be accelerated. In the context of the general position of the public finances, this is very significant evidence of the Government's commitment.