Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2012
579 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his policy regarding admitting persons with a combination of psychiatric and additional problems to psychiatric units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27987/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government strongly supports the implementation of the 2006 Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy —A Vision for Change. The intention is to continue with the closure of the old psychiatric hospitals and move from the traditional institutional based model of care to a patient-centred, flexible and community based mental health service, where the need for hospital admission is greatly reduced, while still providing in-patient care when appropriate.
A range of services are provided to cater for all types of mental illness from common conditions such as depression to acute psychosis. Care and treatment for such illnesses is available through GPs, HSE mental health services and in-patient services as appropriate.
Conditions such as personality disorders, addictions to drugs or intoxicants are not grounds on their own for admission to a psychiatric unit. However, persons with such conditions who also have a mental illness do have access to the appropriate psychiatric services.
