New £15.6million child and adolescent unit opened

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, today officially opened the new Regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient unit situated at Forster Green, Belfast.

Beechcroft will provide a total of 33 inpatient beds and a further five daycase beds for children and adolescents with mental health problems.

Speaking at the official opening the Minister said: “No one could fail to be impressed by the fantastic new facilities that are being opened here today. Beechcroft will provide a specialist inpatient service for children and young people with mental health problems.

“A considerable amount of work has gone into the planning, designing and building of this facility to ensure that it fully meets the needs of the children and young people who will be cared for here.

“There are a wide variety of therapeutic interventions available in the unit delivered by highly skilled staff working together to ensure that our children and young people receive the highest quality assessment, treatment and care, in a modern and safe environment.”

The Adolescent Unit provides a total of 18 inpatient beds including two new intensive nursing beds to replace the existing provision of 16 inpatient beds. They are single rooms all with ensuite shower W/C.

The Child and Family centre has 15 inpatient beds and five day hospital places, along with parents overnight stay accommodation and a family flat.

Continuing the Minister said: “Despite the severe cuts to my budget I am determined that the people of Northern Ireland will have access to modern, state of the art facilities such as Beechcroft for their healthcare needs.

“It is unfortunate, however, that we are working in difficult times, with difficult demands and facing ever increasing pressures on spending.
But I will continue to do all I can to ensure that, within available resources, people are provided with the high-quality facilities that they deserve”

Beechcroft also has dayrooms, dining rooms, quiet areas, together with therapy and education facilities and support accommodation for the staff, catering and administration. A recreation hall and outdoor recreational area is also provided for the patients.

Notes to editors:

Adolescent Unit

• 16 beds dedicated to the assessment and treatment of young people with a range of mental health problems, which require an inpatient setting.
• Further two beds available in the high dependency area for Young People who require an increased level of nursing support than can be offered in the general ward area.

Child and Family Unit

• The child and family centre offers a specialist inpatient service for children aged 0-13 years and their families.
• Comprises of 15 inpatient beds (which includes a family flat) and up to five day places.

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