The Island’s new acute inpatient mental health unit, Manannan Court, is nearing completion with the facility expected to welcome its first patients at the end of the month.
The new ?7.2 million development, based on the Noble’s Hospital estate, has been built on budget and will replace the current inpatient unit Grianagh Court.
Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, welcomed the imminent opening of the facility: “We are now well into the second year of our strategy for mental health and wellbeing, which is delivering significant change and improvement to mental health care in the Isle of Man. This new acute inpatient unit is a key part of this strategy, ensuring that patients with the greatest need are assured of a safe and positive therapeutic environment that focuses on treatment and recovery.”
The building has been specially designed to meet modern standards of inpatient care for those with acute mental health problems. A particular focus has been on advancements in safety measures to reduce the risk of self-harm. Research shows that the design of a building and the ward environment can enhance a patient’s recovery and so the aesthetics of the unit have been an integral part of the design process. There has been a clear move away from the ‘institutionalised’ view many people associate with facilities of this nature.
The new unit is 30% larger – increasing bed numbers from 20 to 26 – to meet future need and reflects the high occupancy rate of Grianagh Court which did not comply with the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ recommendations.
Building work on the site involved the construction of two new suites – the Harbour Suite and the Glen Suite – to adjoin the existing Geddyn Reesht which is being refurbished and repurposed to become the River Suite. The facility in its entirety will be known as Manannan Court and is located at the northern end of the Noble’s Hospital estate just off the Ballaoates Road.
The Minister continued: “The pace of change in healthcare never slows, and keeping up with evolving standards and best practice is important, but often comes at a cost. This is a very significant investment by Government in a key health facility for the people of the Isle of Man, and we feel it’s important that the public have the opportunity to see what their money has been spent on. The Department is therefore offering tours before the facility opens.”
A total of 105 places are available for guided tours on Wednesday 22 March on a first come, first served basis. Tours will be in groups of 15 and will take between 45 minutes to an hour. Anyone who would like to book a place should contact Jodi Pinckard by telephoning 642843 or by emailing jodi.pinckard@gov.im.
