Liam Twomey
Ceist:137 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of acute psychiatric units that are not attached to an acute hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5187/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 16 February 2005
Ceisteanna (95)
Freagraí scríofa
In line with the recommendations of the 1984 report, Planning for the Future, health service providers have developed, and continue to develop, a comprehensive, community-oriented mental health service as an alternative to institutional care for persons with mental illness. In recent years significant capital funding has been provided towards the development of acute psychiatric units linked to general hospitals as a replacement of services previously provided in psychiatric hospitals. There are now 22 such units in place and two more units are expected to open in the near future at Blanchardstown and St. Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park.
A total of 13 stand-alone psychiatric hospitals continue to accept acute admissions. When the two units at Blanchardstown and St. Vincent's, Elm Park open, St. Brendan's Hospital andVergemount Clinic will cease to admit acute psychiatric inpatients, leaving a total of 11 psychiatric hospitals continuing to do so. In line with Government policy, plans for the replacement of these hospitals are in place and at various stages of development.