Vol. 429 No. 7
108 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the number of elderly people who require long term care and are presently incorrectly placed in psychiatric hospitals; the proposals, if any, he has to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware that a large proportion of patients cared for in our psychiatric hospitals are aged 65 years or over. The majority of these patients have been in hospital for a long time and could, with appropriate rehabilitation, live in more appropriate accommodation in the community. My Department is fully committed to the policy of rehabilitation of those patients who are deemed suitable for transfer to more appropriate community based accommodation and health boards are actively pursuing this policy through the development of these facilities.
I can assure the Deputy that it is the policy of my Department that no person, including elderly persons, should be admitted to a psychiatric hospital unless he or she has an underlying psychiatric disorder which cannot be treated in any other setting.
