The shift to a community oriented mental health service as an alternative to institutional care for persons with mental illness is making steady progress. New mental health centres, day hospitals and other facilities have been set up and at the same time additional community based residential accommodation has also been made available. At present there are approximately 400 community residencies providing over 3,000 places. There are also approximately 200 day hospitals/day centres, providing over 3,500 places. However, it is recognised that further significant improvements in providing alternative facilities are needed as a matter of urgency.