Building begins on NI secure mental health unit

The NIO Minister with responsibility for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith, has unveiled the foundation stone of Northern Ireland’s first Regional Secure Unit at Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Belfast.

Speaking at yesterday's event which marked the commencement of the construction phase of the facility, the Minister said: "There have been many valuable and innovative developments in the provision of mental health services in recent times and many more people being looked after in the community in a way which is most appropriate to their needs. However, community care is not the answer for everyone and there still needs to be suitable treatment available in hospitals and other facilities.

"The need for a medium secure facility in Northern Ireland has been recognised for some time. This new unit will close a long-standing gap in the provision of mental health services in Northern Ireland. For the first time we will be able to provide a locally based service, dedicated to people with mental health problems who require intensive psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation within a structured therapeutic environment."

The Minister said that the provision of the secure unit would be a major step towards a "comprehensive and modern" mental health service in Northern Ireland."

When complete the Shannon Clinic will address the need for a local medium security facility in Northern Ireland that has been recognised for some time.

In 1994, a DHSS led Working Group recommended the provision of a 34 bed medium secure unit.

South and East Belfast Trust was identified as the preferred provider of the Regional Secure Unit and the Shannon Clinic is scheduled to open in January 2005.

The £9 million funding for the building of the clinic has been secured through Executive Programme Funds and £4 million has been set aside to meet the running costs of the unit.

(SP)