Gay Mitchell
Question:251 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the standard of accommodation in mental institutions, in particu lar St. Loman's; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4522/02]
Written Answers. - Hospital Accommodation.
The national policy of replacing 19th century mental hospital accommodation by acute assessment and treatment units in general hospitals and, for less acute illness, high-class community residential premises is moving ahead steadily. There are now 20 general hospital psychiatric units replacing Victorian admission units and several others are under construction and shortly to open. In relation to community residences, there are approximately 400 community psychiatric residences in the country providing over 3,000 places and there are just under 200 day hospitals and day centres operating in Irish mental health services providing a total of just under 4,000 places.
I assume the Deputy is referring to St. Loman's Hospital, Palmerstown. This hospital has now been largely closed with only 20 long-stay patients remaining in the hospital in one ward. I understand that this ward is due to close within three months and the patients therein will be transferred to temporary accommodation being provided on the St. Loman's campus, pending the construction of another replacement unit for their rehabilitation. This is to allow demolition of the existing St. Loman's buildings and their replacement by a number of up-to-date modern units for rehabilitation purposes as well as other health care needs.