Health Minister invests £3.4million in learning disability services

The Health Minister has cut the first sod on a new £3.4million treatment and assessment unit in Belfast.

The new unit, which is scheduled to open early next year, will provide specialist health and social care for children and young people with learning disabilities.

Speaking at the site of the new eight-bedded facility at Broadway near the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Michael McGimpsey said: “This new facility, designed in consultation with young people in care, will provide the latest in treatment and care in a modern setting. It will replace part of the current children’s service at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

“It will provide specialist treatment and assessment for children and young people with learning disabilities and ultimately help them to better integrate into home and school life.

“This facility is another part of our investment plans in primary and community care. This is a key element of the health component of the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland which will bring at least £3billion of investment to modernise the infrastructure of health and social care services.

“At the heart of our modernisation programme is the recognition that we will deliver high quality safe services which continue to put patients first.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The new unit will be located at the Iveagh site bordering the grounds of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
2. The unit will provide all services currently available at Mallow (previously Conicar) together with a greater level of therapeutic input in line with new services models; increased medical staffing in line with Royal College recommendations; increased speech and language therapy input; provision of a new occupational therapy service; and additional dietetics sessions.
3. Over the 10 year period 2008/09-2017/18 the department has been allocated a total capital envelope of almost £3.3billion, against an identified need of £7.8billion. Just over £700million of this is earmarked for the Comprehensive Spending Review period with the balance of just over £2.5billion allocated in the remaining period of the Investment Strategy.
4. All capital expenditure is subject to the normal business case approval process.
5. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0571. For out of hours queries contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number on 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.