The Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK, has officially opened Manannan Court, the Island’s new £7.2 million inpatient mental health facility.
The Chief Minister said:
'Bringing about this new facility is one of the highlights from my first term of office as an MHK and from my time as Minister for Health and Social Care.
'I was insistent when I became Minister that we double efforts to support the Mental Health Service and begin a programme of work to transform care. Manannan Court is one of the fruits of that labour and represents a real team effort from patients, carers, professionals, the third sector, managers and politicians. It is a facility the Island can rightly be proud of.'
Addressing guests at the opening ceremony, the Chief Minister thanked everyone involved in the project and congratulated them on its success. Special mention was given to Michael Coleman MLC who was instrumental in providing the political support to the Mental Health Service to successfully drive the project forward.
Manannan Court offers a number of improvements over its predecessor, Grianagh Court, with:
- almost a third more capacity, increasing the number of beds from 20 to 26
- a number of suites to meet the differing needs of inpatient groups
- the ability to flex beds between different suites, depending on demand at any given time
- a bright, modern and inviting environment for patients, staff and visitors
- en-suite facilities for all patients
- access to outdoor spaces and fresh air with a choice of gardens
- the Pitstop Café, which is open to all
- high-specification building materials, equipment and furnishings, all purpose-designed to reduce the risk of harm to patients and staff – from sealed and weighted furniture, to anti-barricade doors and anti-ligature fittings.
Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, said:
'The completion of Manannan Court represents a significant step forward in realising the Island’s Strategic Plan for Mental Health and Wellbeing. The new facility is enabling us to provide higher quality and safer care to those suffering with some of the most serious forms of mental ill-health. It is a tremendous facility and I echo the Chief Minister’s congratulations to all involved.'
Paul Hurst, Clinical General Manager (Acute Care) for the Mental Health Service; Mike Harrington, former Director of Estates for the DHSC; Kate Beecroft MHK, Minister for Health and Social Care; Howard Quayle MHK, Chief Minister; Michael Coleman MLC.
