Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 3

Written Answers - Ballinasloe (Galway) Hospital.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

103 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the growing anxiety in Ballinasloe, County Galway concerning the reduction in staff of St. Bridget's Psychiatric Hospital, Ballinasloe, the staff reduction since the year 1989; the number of patients in the hospital for each year since 1989; the plans, if any, he has for the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The Western Health Board is responsible for the delivery of health services in its functional area including the provision of in-patient services for the mentally ill in St. Bridget's Hospital, Ballinasloe.

The board is developing its mental health services in line with the recommendations of the report Planning for the Future which was published in 1984 and which has been accepted by successive Governments. This report advocated a shift in the delivery of mental health services from a predominantly institutional to a community-based approach in caring for and treating persons with a mental illness.

The total number of patients and staff in the East Galway catchment based St. Bridget's Hospital, Ballinasloe for each year since 1989 is a follows:

Date	Number of In-Patients	Number of Staff
31-12-1989	764	625
31-12-1990	702	617
31-12-1991	658	605
31-12-1992	604	596
31-12-1993	539	587

The contraction in in-patient numbers has occurred as a consequence of the increased provision of community-based facilities in the East Galway catchment area. These include psychiatric day hospitals, out-patient clinics, community-based local residences and community workshops. In the period 1989 to 1993, the number of staff working in these community-based facilities has increased from approximately 20 to 50. Such developments should be seen as positive in terms of an increase in the quality of care for the mentally ill.

The Deputy will also note that while in-patient numbers have decreased, the staff/patient ratio in the hospital has in fact increased between 1989 and 1993.

Any decision concerning the future of St. Bridget's Hospital is a matter for the Western Health Board in the context of continued development of services for the mentally ill.