asked the Minister for Health the number of places now available for persons under 16 years of age in need of residential psychiatric treatment in the Southern Health Board region; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Child Psychiatric Services.
24.
The Southern Health Board is responsible for the provision of child psychiatric services in its area.
The health board has recently decided to close the 12 bed Young Peoples Unit at St. Stephen's hospital, Sarsfield Court. This means that there will be no designated residential psychiatric places for persons under 16 years of age. Each case as it arises will be treated on its merits. The major emphasis will continue to be on the treatment of children at out-patient level. Where appropriate, children can be cared for in paediatric accommodation or by foster parents, together with out-patient treatment.
It is not regarded as appropriate that children should be admitted to psychiatric hospitals and the changes being brought about by the Southern Health Board will provide a service more in keeping with good modern practice.