Seán Doherty
Ceist:47 Mr. Doherty asked the Minister for Health his views on the report of a person (details supplied) which suggests the closure of wards for the elderly in psychiatric hospitals. [7013/95]
Written Answers. - Ward Closures.
Limerick East): In his most recent report published for the year ending 31 December 1992 (which I presume is the report alluded to by the Deputy), the Inspector of Mental Hospitals commented that there were many elderly patients with no active psychiatric symptomatology who could be managed in more appropriate care settings.
It is the policy of the Department that people, including the elderly, who are residing inappropriately in psychiatric hospitals should be transferred to more appropriate settings. This policy is being actively implemented in each health board.