Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 3

Written Answers - County Roscommon Psychiatric Services.

John Connor

Ceist:

47 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the delivery of psychiatric care services at Castlerea, County Roscommon, in view of the fact that St. Patrick's Psychiatric Hospital, Castlerea, is to be sold and converted to a prison; if he will ensure that his Department will make sufficient funds available to provide a new building and whatever other facilities are necessary to keep and maintain the services in Castlerea on the closure of the existing hospital; and if he will give an undertaking that no patient or member of staff currently cared for or employed in the centre will have to transfer out of Castlerea against his or her will.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The Western Health Board is responsible in the first instance for the delivery of psychiatric services in County Roscommon. This includes mental health services currently provided at St. Patrick's Hospital, Castlerea, which the Government has recently decided to adapt for use as a prison.

I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the patients of St. Patrick's Hospital, their relatives and the staff working in the hospital that there will be full consultation with all concerned as the hospital is converted to its new use. With this in mind the Government has decided that alternative accommodation will be provided for patients residing in the hospital or attending it on a daily basis. As far as possible and with the best interests of patients in mind, these facilities will be provided in or close to the town of Castlerea. The final decision regarding patient transfers will be based on clinical need and the wishes of the patients themselves. The Western Health Board is currently preparing its proposals for the provision of alternative facilities and will be liaising closely with my Department and the Department of Justice in relation to the resources needed to effect the transfer of patients and staff from the hospital and the time scale for such transfers.

Existing staff will continue to care for the patients in their new locations and there will be no compulsory job losses as a result of the Government decision to change the use of St. Patrick's Hospital.