Vol. 547 No. 1
631 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review admission policy in relation to psychiatric institutions; and if he will ensure that concerns expressed by parents as to the safety of a son, daughter or grandchild will be given additional weight when considering applications for admission. [2167/02]
The broad thrust of admission policy in the psychiatric services in this country is to admit to in-patient care those patients whose illnesses, on the basis of clinical judgment in each individual case, are deemed to be of such severity as to be inappropriate for community-based treatment. In any assessment of whether an individual should be admitted to hospital for in-patient care, it is normal practice to take into consideration the account given by relatives of the evolution of an individual's illness, his or her social circumstances or any other matters bearing on the advisability of in-patient as against community-based care. A review of mental health services is to be carried out as outlined in the new health strategy, Quality and Fairness – A Health System for You.
