MLA queries switch plan for health unit

MLA queries switch plan for health unit

21 November 2012

A LOCAL politician is demanding to know if the Downe Hospital was considered as a base for a new inpatient psychiatric unit, following a major U-turn by the South Eastern Trust.

After public consultation in 2010, the Trust earmarked the Lagan Valley hospital site in Lisburn as the base for a “centre of excellence” for acutely ill mental health patients.

The new facility was to replace existing acute mental health provision at the Lagan Valley, the Downshire Hospital in Downpatrick and the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald.

The Department of Health gave approval in August last year to develop a business case for the new complex in Lisburn, but the South Eastern Trust has changed its mind and now views the Ulster Hospital as the “preferred site.”

The move has concerned South Down Assemblyman Chris Hazzard, who described the decision to now focus on the Ulster site as “deeply concerning.” He said “serious questions” also need to be asked about the Trust’s decision.

The MLA continued: “If the Trust has decided at this late stage to reassess the outcomes of the original consultation, I want to know if the Downe Hospital site was given fair consideration once again.

“Given the recent development of the Downshire campus in Downpatrick and the flourishing public sector hub, I think it would be fit and proper if the Trust gave fair consideration to the creation of the proposed new centre of excellence at this location.”

Mr. Hazzard warned that with more public consultation now planned on the location of the new psychiatric unit, “the inevitable delay and confusion about the future of inpatient psychiatric services will be unsettling for many.” The MLA wants the Trust to assure people that vital funding for local mental health services will not be diverted from South Down.

Mr. Hazzard added: “With mental health issues on the rise in many locations,

A Trust spokeswoman said the Ulster Hospital site was initially considered for the new psychiatric unit and while clinically and strategically it was a very attractive option, no space was likely to be available for the foreseeable future.

She said the Trust was preparing a detailed business case to merge existing mental health units into a single facility when it emerged the old Tor Bank School site in Castlereagh was available. The spokeswoman said as a result, the Department of Health said this site should be included as an option within the business case.

She continued: “The clinical team are of the view that the Ulster Hospital would be the preferred site clinically and strategically as the psychiatric unit would be co-located with the major acute hospital. The final business case will be submitted to Trust Board for its consideration and approval at the end of the month.

The spokeswoman said the Trust is committed to continuing to develop mental health services in the South Down area as evidenced by recent investment in community services which includes the opening of supported living accommodation for 18 people in Downpatrick.