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Towards mental hospital closure – a study of a residual long-stay population

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Barbara Farragher ,
Sabina Fahy ,
Teresa Carey  and
John Owens
Barbara Farragher
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Our Lady's Hospital Navan, Co Meath, Ireland
Sabina Fahy
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University College Hospital, Galway, Ireland
Teresa Carey
Affiliation:
St. Davnet's Hospital, Monaghan, Ireland
John Owens
Affiliation:
St. Davnet's Hospital, Monaghan, Ireland
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Abstract

Objectives: To describe an entire long-stay hospita population and examine the differences between the old and new long-stay groups. It outlines the communitybased facilities required for hospital closure to occur.

Method: One hundred and twenty-four patients were assessed using the Community Placement Questionnaire (CPQ), a standardised instrument used in service planning.

Results: The CPQ revealed a globally disabled group with multiple handicaps. The mean age was 68.7 years and the predominant diagnosis was schizophrenia. Though the old long-stay (74) were more disabled than the new long-stay (50), similar sheltered accommodation was required for both groups. The new long-stay required a more active day-care program.

Conclusions: Reprovision for long-stay patients must not only include sheltered accommodation but also appropriate day-care facilities. Assessment of the placement needs of all categories of long-stay patients necessary before hospital closure can take place.

Keywords

Hospital closureCommunity Placement QuestionnaireLong-stay patients
Type
Original Papers
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 16 , Issue 3 , September 1999 , pp. 93 - 96
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1999

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