Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 4

Written Answers. - Psychiatric Patients' Relocation.

Pat Upton

Ceist:

54 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health the arrangements, if any, that have been made in relation to the relocation of psychiatric patients who are currently resident in the Weir Home, Cork Street, Dublin 8; and whether these patients are in agreement with the decision to relocate them. [18348/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan

, Limerick East): As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services is a matter for the Eastern Health Board in the first instance.

In line with the recommendations of the report of the study group on the development of the psychiatric services,Planning for the Future, which was published in 1994 and which has been accepted as policy in mental health by successive Governments, the Eastern Health Board has been restructuring its psychiatric services with the twin policies of (a) developing a comprehensive range of community psychiatric services, and; (b) rehabilitating and discharging patients from its various institutions to community housing.

In 1981 St. Brendan's Hospital transferred the patients from Ward 4, St. Brendan's Hospital, to the Weir Home, and since then it has been utilised as a ward of St. Brendan's.

St. Brendan's Hospital is now focusing on the rehabilitation of the residents there to prepare them for transfer to housing in the community in line with existing policy.

The rehabilitation process involves the assessment of each patient's needs, including training needs and appropriate supports necessary for continuing care. The process also involves personal consultation with patients regarding place of residence, choice of colleagues, etc., and also involves full consultation with patients' family, friends, and advocates. A number of houses have been identified in the community and the most suitable will be selected in consultation with residents and their families.