Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the alternative programme for the care of the patients of St. Loman's and Newcastle Hospitals in the event of the sale of these two hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19169/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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"A Vision for Change", the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over a seven to ten year period. The Report recommends the closure of all psychiatric hospitals and the reinvestment of the resources released by these closures in mental health services. It emphasises that this process should take place on a phased basis with wards closing sequentially; hospitals can only close when the clinical needs of the remaining patients have been addressed in more appropriate settings such as community residences, day hospitals and day centres.

The HSE has developed a strategy for the phased closure of the remaining hospitals and the relocation of patients to community based accommodation in line with the recommendations of 'A Vision for Change'. In these circumstances the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.