Vol. 501 No. 3
91 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, being taken to improve conditions in mental hospitals in view of the appalling conditions highlighted in the report for 1998 of the inspector of mental hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5965/99]
In the 1997 report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals, published in November 1998, the inspector highlighted the poor conditions that exist in some wards located in the old, large, Victorian-style hospitals which are unsuitable for in-patient care of psychiatric patients. However, as these wards are closed and more community-based alternatives are provided, steady progress is being made towards improving the quality of mental health care in this country.
In his 1997 report, the inspector pointed out that the rate of progress in upgrading unsatisfactory accommodation or providing alternative community residential accommodation, as well as the development of acute units in general hospitals, has been dictated by the availability of capital funding. In order to address this problem, £7 million was provided in capital funds in 1998 which will accelerate the provision of acute psychiatric units in general hospitals. For example, I have included provision for units at Portlaoise, Kilkenny, Sligo, Nenagh, Ennis, St. Vincent's, Elm Park and Beaumont Hospital in the capital programme. Capital funds have also been made available for the provision of additional community-based facilities throughout the country including facilities for older people with mental health problems.
The Inspector of Mental Hospitals has, over the past decade, played a crucial role in raising standards in the mental health services in this country. I acknowledge the influence of the inspector and his team in improving the quality of our mental health services and in the promotion of good practice. The improvements achieved in 1997 are documented in the report and while these improvements are welcome, I fully acknowledge that much remains to be done to improve both physical facilities and services within the mental health sector. It is my intention to continue with the initiatives I started in 1998 in order to improve the rate of progress in providing a modern mental health service.
