Written Answers. - Psychiatric Patients.
Joe Walsh
Ceist:
154
Mr. J. Walsh
asked the
Minister for Health
the number of patients in psychiatric units; the plans, if any, he has to provide support services within the community for these people; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24646/96]
Limerick East): The number of patients accommodated in acute psychiatric units and psychiatric hospitals at the end of 1994, the most recent year for which published figures are available, was 5,581.
The report of the study group on the development of the mental health services,Planning For the Future, which was published in 1984 and which has been accepted by successive governments, forms the blueprint for the development of mental health services into the 21st century.
The Deputy will be aware that a shift in the delivery of services for those with mental illness from the predominantly institutional to a community based approach in the provision of care was a key recommendation of the report. This approach is underpinned in my Department's strategy for effective healthcare,Shaping a Healthier Future.
In line with this recommendation health boards, which are responsible for the delivery of mental health services, are developing a comprehensive range of community based services, including, day hospitals, day centres, outpatient clinics and community residential accommodation, to replace services previously provided by psychiatric hospitals. Other therapeutic interventions which have altered the delivery of mental health services include domiciliary assessment, community nursing and home support, respite care and clinical rehabilitation services.
I am committed to the continued development by health boards of community based services and I have provided additional capital and revenue funding in 1995 and 1996 to underpin this commitment. I am satisfied that significant progress is being made in providing a service which is comprehensive, integrated with other health services and based, as far as possible, in the community.
