Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Health and Children

Mental Health Services

10:00 am

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 225: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if standards have been established in respect of the provision of facilities in community homes for psychiatric patients; her views on the way it is proposed to conduct inspections to see that standards both physical standards and standards of care provision are meeting requirements; if the moneys being released from the sale of psychiatric residential institutions will be earmarked for a programme of improvements in community homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29498/10]

Photo of John MoloneyJohn Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Inspector of Mental Health Services is statutorily obliged to inspect every Approved Centre. The Inspector may also inspect any other premises where mental health services are being provided.

Since 2004, the Inspector has inspected the quality of care and treatment, having regard to the Mental Health Commission Quality Framework, in a number of community residences. These inspection reports are available on the Mental Health Commission website. The Inspectorate does not inspect against any specific standards for community homes with regard to physical structures but has commented on any shortcomings discovered. Budget 2010 provided for a multi-annual programme of capital investment to be funded from the proceeds of sale of lands. In 2010 the HSE will dispose of surplus assets and reinvest an initial sum of €50m in modern mental health infrastructure which will include community nursing units and high support residences.

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