New £9million mental health facility will make a difference to young people – McGimpsey

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has said that a new £9million adolescent mental health facility will make a real difference to young people.

The Minister was speaking as he visited Beechcroft, the new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at the Forster Green site in Belfast. The facility, which began taking in patients earlier this month, provides inpatient mental health services for young people.

The accommodation includes 18 single bed en-suite rooms, living accommodation that includes 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 are also provided for the patients.

Speaking during a visit to the facility at Forster Green Hospital, Belfast, Michael McGimpsey said: “I am impressed by this new state of the art mental health facility, which provides 18 places for young people aged 13-18, more beds than were previously available. There will also be provision of overnight accommodation for parents.

“This is part of a major investment in mental health facilities planned over the next 10 years. These services will make a real and lasting difference to patients and their families in an area of care which has for too long been neglected and under-funded.”

During his visit, the Minister also viewed progress on the new adjacent £6.4million Children’s Unit, which is due for completion in May.

Michael McGimpsey said that the mental health facility is yet another example of investment in health and social care services. He said: “I have worked with the Trusts to identify their key priorities for the next ten years. By continuing to invest in our services I am committed to securing the best quality and value health and social care services for the public, within limited resources available."

Notes to editors:

1. Beechcroft, the new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Unit, based on the Forster Green Hospital site, will replace the services currently provided at Donard, Knockbracken.

2. Media enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.