John Connor
Ceist:30 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the future plans for St. Patrick's Psychiatric Hospital, Castlerea, County Roscommon.
Written Answers. - Castlerea (Roscommon) Hospital.
The plans for the development of psychiatric services in County Roscommon involve the provision of a new 30 bed acute psychiatric unit at the County Hospital, Roscommon. I have provided the necessary capital resources to enable this unit to be completed and the Western Health Board have agreed to open this facility as soon as possible. My Department have issued formal approval to the Western Health Board to provide hostels, workshops and day centres in various locations in County Roscommon, including the provision of a new sector headquarters, day centre and workshop in Castlerea.
St. Patrick's Hospital, Castlerea, will continue as at present to cater for mentally infirm patients who need longer term care and approval has also been given to the upgrading of part of the hospital for this purpose.
I am confident that the provision of these facilities will improve the quality of psychiatric services for the people of County Roscommon.