Health | Mental Health Facilities in CH07

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which it is expected to improve the Mental Health facilities available in CH07 in respect of each category of patient: and if he will make a statement on the matter. 

REPLY

Dear Deputy Durkan, 

I refer to the above parliamentary question that you submitted to the Minister for Health, the Minister has asked that the HSE respond directly to you. I have examined the matter and the following outlines  the position. 

The HSE CHO7 are committed to improving the Mental Health facilities available to the public in Kildare. There are plans at an advanced stage to develop a new large modern psychiatric unit in Naas, to cater for the growing population in Co. Kildare.  

We also have plans to develop modern accommodation for those who need 24 hour residential support in Co. Kildare. We have received funding to provide a Home Based Treatment team in Mid Kildare, and will set this up subject to recruitment of sufficient nursing staff. There are plans to improve the Mental Health service for those over the age of 65 in Kildare, when funding becomes available. 

If a clinician feels an individual needs admission to an inpatient psychiatric bed, and there is no bed available in Lakeview, they seek a suitable bed elsewhere. 

I trust this information is of assistance to you. 

Yours sincerely, 

Kevin Brady, 

Head of Service Mental Health, 

HSE Dublin South, Kildare and West Wicklow Community Healthcare