Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK, Minister for Social Care presented staff at the Department’s Mental Health Service facility at Grianagh Court on 8th December with an accreditation certificate from the Royal College of Psychiatry. Grianagh Court registered with Accreditation for Acute Inpatient Mental Health Services (AIMS) in February 2008 and underwent a review of their service set against 283 standards. Areas covered were therapeutic environment, general standards, timely and purposeful admission and safety. Questionnaires were completed by service users, carers and staff and four professionals from the Royal College attended and undertook interviews with all those involved and examined policies and procedures. Minister for Social Care, Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK commented “AIMS accreditation is a very significant achievement, especially as it was gained on the ward’s first attempt, and is normally only achieved by 10% of wards on their first attempt. It is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the staff of Grianagh Court which is much appreciated by myself,the Department and the service users. It confirms that the Island is at least on a par with, if not better than many of our neighbours in the UK.” Member for Social Services Bill Malarkey commented “I am aware that the review team spoke to all staff, service users and carers and our policies and procedures were examined, basically no stone was left unturned. Staff have worked tremendously hard to gain this accreditation and their commitment and dedication has been clearly demonstrated. I congratulate them on all their hard work”. - ENDS -