asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that a considerable number of mentally retarded patients in Dublin can only be treated in Saint Brendan's Hospital; if he considers that this is in the interests of these patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Treatment of Retarded Patients.
77.
I am aware that there are a considerable number of mentally handicapped persons at present in St. Brendan's Hospital. The Commission of Inquiry on Mental Handicap did not rule out the use of mental hospitals for the care of the mentally handicapped provided there were adequate arrangements for the segregation of the mentally handicapped and mentally ill patients.
I have approved a proposal by Dublin Health Authority to centre their services for the mentally handicapped at St. Ita's Hospital, Portrane. This will involve the transfer to that hospital of the mentally handicapped patients now cared for in St. Brendan's.
In the future, the health authority propose to care for all their mentally handicapped patients, in a portion of St. Ita's which will be effectively separated from the portion accommodating the psychiatric patients. Dublin Health Authority's services for the mentally handicapped will be under the control of a medical director whose function will be to direct and co-ordinate their services for the mentally handicapped. I am satisfied that the proposals of Dublin Health Authority will be in the best interests of the mentally handicapped persons for whom the authority has responsibility.
Can the Minister say when the mentally-retarded patients who are at present in St. Brendan's will be removed to St. Ita's Hospital?
I cannot, in terms of time.
Would the Minister make a statement to the press that these patients will be provided for in a special section of the hospital because there is growing concern among relatives that they are mentally unbalanced? The fact that they are in St. Brendan's is causing great concern and anxiety to parents and relatives, and he should make a statement that a special section of the hospital will be provided for these patients.
As I pointed out in my reply, the portion in St. Ita's will be separate from the portion looking after the mentally ill and there will also be a medical director whose responsibility it will be to ensure that this happens. As far as I am concerned, the sooner the health authority press on with this the better.