Health Minister visits Grangewood Acute Mental Health Unit

Health Minister Robin Swann has visited Grangewood acute mental health in-patient unit in Londonderry to meet staff and learn more about the services provided at the facility.

Health Minister Robin Swann with Western Health and Social Care Trust Chief Executive, Dr Anne Kilgallen

Minister Swann said: “This has been an excellent opportunity to witness first-hand the great work done by the staff who care for those individuals who need mental health support. It also provided me with an opportunity to place on record my sincere thanks to all involved for their dedication, perseverance and commitment.”

“I am acutely aware of the impact that COVID-19 has had on all of us and the particular challenges for those working to support people with mental ill health. Despite these challenges our staff have continued the delivery of these services without interruption throughout the pandemic.”

The crisis unit at Grangewood provides inpatient acute mental health care, alongside a 24 hour, seven days a week crisis response and home treatment service.

It also comprises a fully operational day care facility providing assessment and therapeutic activities. This includes many single and group activities such as physical health classes, art, social, education and employment advice and opportunities.

The Minister commented: “The facility at Grangewood has been operational since 2012.  It provides an environment that is conducive to recovery and improvement in people’s mental health and well-being.

“It is vital that our mental health inpatient infrastructure is fit for purpose and up-to-date.  Over the last 10 years we have spent £57 million on new mental health units.  Looking ahead, the new Mental Health Strategy commits to continuing this programme of capital works with investment of a further £170 million over the course of the next 10 years to include the advancement of proposals for a new mental health unit on the Omagh Hospital site.”

During the course of his visit the Minister was able to meet with members of staff and receive a guided tour of the unit.  He was also briefed on the services provided by, and future plans for, acute mental health services across the Western Trust.

Commenting on the Minister’s visit, Western Health and Social Care Trust Chief Executive, Dr Anne Kilgallen, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Minister today to our Grangewood acute mental health in-patient unit at Gransha Park.

“I would like to thank him for taking time out of his busy schedule to come and view, first hand, our extensive mental health facilities and to acknowledge the work and commitment of our staff towards the provision of mental health and social care services across the Western Trust.

“On behalf of the Western Trust I would also like to thank the Minister for his continued support and for his clear and continuing commitment towards those in need of mental health care, which is demonstrated through his support of proposals for a new mental health unit in Omagh.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Each of the 5 Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland provides a mental health service within community and hospital settings and across a wide range of specialisms.
2. Mental Health services have continued uninterrupted throughout the pandemic.  Measures have however been taken to mitigate risk to both service users and staff in many instances.
3. Support for people struggling with mental health issues can be obtained from their GP, 999, or Lifeline (Tel: 0808 808 8000). Further resources are available online at Minding Your Head
4. The Mental Health Action Plan was published on 19 May.  It included the Covid -19 Mental Health response plan designed to respond to the impact of the pandemic on the population of Northern Ireland.
5. A programme of Mental Health hospital improvements has been taken forward by the Department of Health with new builds approved for the South Eastern, Western and Northern Health and Social Care Trusts.
6. For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by email: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk. 
7. Follow us on twitter @healthdpt.
8. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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