Plans to develop a regional inpatient unit for children and adolescents with mental health issues are progressing.

The HSE South is investing more than €9.14 million to deliver a regional (Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary and Wexford) inpatient service for adolescents with mental health problems in Cork.

The investment will see the provision of a 20 bed inpatient child and adolescent mental health unit based at Bessborough in Blackrock. This project will provide specialist mental health services in terms of assessment, care and treatment for those who present with severe emotional and behavioural disorders where there is a likelihood of mental illness.

The tendering process for this development is now complete and a contractor is expected to be appointed shortly to develop and refurbish a newly built hospital and school facility on the grounds of the Sacred Heart Covent at Bessborough, Blackrock in Cork City. It is anticipated that the structural requirements for the project will take 18 months to complete.

Whilst the 20 bed unit is under construction, an interim eight bed inpatient facility is also underway at St Stephens Hospital, Glanmire, Co Cork. An extensive refurbishment programme is nearing completion in a designated unit in St Stephens Hospital and it is anticipated the unit will be in a position to accept referrals by Autumn 2008. This eight bed facility will open as an Inpatient Unit for older adolescents and will provide vital inpatient services until the new 20 bed unit in Bessborough is ready in 2009.

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