Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 22 Feb 1990

Vol. 396 No. 2

Written Answers. - Psychiatric Services.

Michael P. Kitt

Ceist:

126 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Health the number of beds for psychiatric patients in each of the Western Health Board hospitals at present; and if he will outline the plans for psychiatric services in the Western Health Board area in view of the document Planning for the Future.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

The number of in-patients in the Western Health Board's psychiatric service at 31 December 1989, the latest roll in respect of which figures are available, is as follows:

In-patient Facility	Number of Patients
St. Brigid's Hospital, Ballinasloe	764
St. Mary's Hospital, Castlebar	415
St. Theresa's Unit, Castlebar	42
St. Patrick's Hospital, Castlerea	120
Psychiatric Unit, University College Hospital, Galway	43

The Western Health Board have developed plans for the organisation of psychiatric services which are set out in the board's documentPlan for the Development of Psychiatric Services. This plan, which was adopted by the board in 1986, is in accordance with the policy outlined in Planning for the Future. It provides for the establishment of a service based primarily in the community with a range of facilities such as day hospitals, day centres, workshops, supported hostels and community residences. My Department have been involved in detailed discussions with the Western Health Board regarding the implementation of the recommendations contained in Planning for the Future. The board are continuing to make progress in putting a community oriented service in place.