asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has for St. Brigid's psychiatric hospital; if the units at Roscommon County Hospital and the Regional Hospital, Galway will provide the same community-based service through local clinics as is the case at the moment; and if the proposed reduction in the catchment area will mean fewer patients for St. Brigid's, thereby causing a major reduction in staff.
Written Answers. - Western Health Board Psychiatric Hospital.
25.
The provision of psychiatric services in the areas mentioned in the question is a matter for the Western Health Board.
The plans for the development of these services were approved by the board in March 1986. They provide for the development of a service based primarily in the community.
The services provided at Roscommon County and Galway Regional hospitals will be part of the integrated services being provided under the approved plans. There will be some increase in the catchment areas of these hospitals resulting in a reduction in the area associated with St. Brigid's.
With the development of the community services in St. Brigid's catchment area it is anticipated that there will be a significant reduction in the number of patients requiring in-patient care. This will ultimately lead to reduced staff numbers in St. Brigid's and increased numbers in the community.