Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the relocation of the Central Mental Hospital; her views on whether the conditions in which patients are kept in the CMH are acceptable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12079/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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In May 2006, the Government approved the development of a new national forensic mental health facility at Thornton Hall, Co. Dublin and the disposal of the site at Dundrum. The Health Service Executive has established a project team to progress the redevelopment of the Central Mental Hospital. A new governance structure will be put in place for the Central Mental Hospital in advance of its move to the new site.

Pending the provision of a new hospital at Thornton Hall, the Health Service Executive will continue to ensure that facilities and services at the Central Mental Hospital are improved and enhanced in a patient focused manner.

There have been significant developments at the hospital in recent years. The practice of "slopping-out" was ended in 2006. There are currently five fully-staffed, consultant-led multi-disciplinary teams in place in the hospital, with a further team to be developed in 2007. All patients now have access to an independent advocacy service. Additional funding of €2 million was allocated in 2007 to increase the capacity at the hospital and provide additional residential places in the community for discharged patients.

As the Deputy may be aware, a report of an inquiry into the care and treatment practices at the Central Mental Hospital was published by the Mental Health Commission in January of this year. The Health Service Executive, which is firmly committed to improving services to patients at the hospital, has submitted an Action Plan to the Commission setting out the steps and timescale for implementation of the recommendations in the Report.