New Mental Health Facility Welcomed

I welcome the statement made by Minister McGimpsey on a £9million adolescent mental health inpatient facility at Beechcroft, on the Foster Green site in Belfast. This facility will provide much needed accommodation for adolescents between the ages of 13 – 18 with mental health problems; as well there will be accommodation for over night accommodations for parents.

For too long young people with mental health problems have been housed in wards with adults or the facilities available to them with regard to mental health have been a serious problem for, not just the health service, but to parents and relations of those in need of specialist care. As well, for too long those the mental health service have been neglected and under funded.

This welcome announcement will make a real and lasting difference to all within the mental health sphere. It is an example of investment in the health and social care services.

The accommodation will provide 18 en-suite single bedrooms, day rooms, dining rooms, quiet areas, therapy and educational facilities and outdoor recreation.

This new unit will make a very real and welcome difference for those young people using this service.