Vol. 483 No. 2
68 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children whether it is intended to provide separate hospital facilities in maternity hospitals for mothers who suffer postnatal depression to facilitate their remaining with their children in a maternity hospital where hospitalisation is required rather than having them admitted to psychiatric hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19801/97]
127 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children whether it is intended to provide separate hospital facilities in maternity hospitals for mothers who suffer postnatal depression to facilitate their remaining with their children in a maternity hospital where hospitalisation is required rather than having them admitted to psychiatric hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19968/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 127 together.
The provision of separate facilities in maternity hospitals for mothers suffering from post natal depression is essentially an operational matter for the hospitals concerned.
I have had inquiries made of maternity hospitals and I am advised that the incidence of severe post natal psychosis is relatively low and estimated at four to five cases per one thousand deliveries. I am assured that there are protocols in place to deal with post natal depression. In most cases post natal depression is treated on an out-patient basis. However, I understand that if the mother's depression warrants in-patient treatment the practice is that the mother is admitted to a psychiatric unit in a general hospital and where possible with her baby. I am not aware of particular difficulties in the provision of this service. However, if the Deputy has a particular case in mind, he might bring it to my attention and I will refer it to the appropriate agency.
