Vol. 443 No. 4
178 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the situation in the health services regarding the release of psychiatric patients and, in particular, if he will investigate the situation in view of the points set out in a letter from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14 to Deputy Mr. Gay Mitchell which has been forwarded to the Minister for consideration.
Prior to the discharge of a patient from a psychiatric hospital, the person concerned is normally assessed by the hospital medical staff involved in his or her care to determine whether discharge is appropriate.
The Inspector of Mental Hospitals will investigate the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the individual referred to in the correspondence to the Deputy if he will furnish the name of the patient concerned. I will write to the Deputy following completion of the inspector's investigations.
