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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Mental Health Services.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

546 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of psychiatric units which have been opened, attached to general hospitals; the number of day centres and hostels which have been opened since the recommendations of the Planning for the Future report, 1984; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20277/02]

The national policy of replacing 19th century mental hospital accommodation with acute assessment and treatment units in general hospitals and, for less acute illness, appropriate community residential premises is moving ahead steadily.

There are now 18 general hospital psychiatric units operational, replacing Victorian admission units, a further three units will become available to their respective mental health services in the near future, two units are under construction and several others are at various stages of planning. In relation to community residences, there are approximately 400 community psychiatric residences in the country providing over 3,000 places. This compares to 111 residences, providing less than 1,000 places in 1984. In relation to day hospitals and day centres, there are approximately 200, providing over 3,500 places. This compares with 39 places, providing approximately 1,200 places in 1984.
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