Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 23: To ask the Minister for Health his preferred options for the delivery of psychiatric health services throughout the country relating to both inpatient and outpatient facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26316/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Government policy on mental health incorporates the recommendations of A Vision for Change. The aim is to close 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.

It is the Government's intention that over time access to modern mental health services in the community will be significantly improved. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to ring-fence €35 million annually from within the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services. In addition, as 90% of mental health needs are dealt with at primary care level, the Government is committed to developing closer links between mental health services and primary care. GPs and Primary Care Teams will be supported in their physical working environment through the provision of shared premises which will encourage and facilitate interaction across all health professionals. It is envisaged that the provision of improved community-based services will ensure that people with mental health problems receive the treatment and after-care support needed to facilitate recovery. I have asked the HSE to prepare an implementation plan, which will identify specific recommendations of A Vision for Change that can be progressed over the next three years, with timelines, detailed costs, person(s) responsible for implementation etc.