Tom Moffatt
Question:93 Dr. Moffatt asked the Minister for Health if he will have arrangements made to curtail acute admission waiting lists for psychiatric beds in south Dublin in view of the shortage of such beds in this regard. [20615/96]
Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.
Limerick East): I presume the Deputy is referring to the Cluain Mhuire service which provides a community-based mental health service for the south-east area of Dublin. The service is operated by the Order of St. John of God on an agency basis for the Eastern Health Board, which is responsible for the provision of mental health services in the south-east Dublin area. The acute component of the service is provided by the purchase of in-patient beds in St. John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, which is a private hospital.
I am aware that there is concern among service providers regarding the adequacy of the in-patient component of the service. In order that the nature and extent of any unmet needs in the service might be identified the Health Research Board, on behalf of my Department, is to undertake a review of service provision in the area with particular emphasis on an analysis of the in-patient bed requirements for the service. The review will be undertaken in the very near future.