§ Mr. Bradfordasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many places are available in Belfast for psychogeriatrics either in general or psychiatric hospitals;
(2) how many places will be added to those already available in Belfast in respect of psychogeriatric patients; and what will be the locations of these future provisions and the number of places involved.
§ Mr. AlisonBelfast forms part of the catchment area of Purdysburn psychiatric hospital which has 1,252 beds, of which 396 are designated specifically for the care of elderly patients. In addition, elderly confused patients suffering from other illnesses are admitted to and cared for in appropriate general hospital wards.
About 28 to 30 beds at Belvoir Park hospital are to be adapted specifically for the care of mentally confused, elderly 522W patients and the provision of a 36 bed purpose-built unit at the Throne hospital is at pre-planning stage. In addition, the Eastern Health and Social Services Board is examining the feasibility of adapting some existing facilities to the care of these patients.