The development of a new acute psychiatric unit at Beaumont Hospital is being progressed as a matter of priority by the HSE working in close collaboration with Beaumont Hospital.

A site for the unit in Beaumont Hospital has been identified and the funding is in place, as part of the development of psychiatric services nationally, under the HSE Capital Plan for 2010.

A tender process took place last year to put in place a framework agreement for the design and build of new psychiatric units including the facility at Beaumont Hospital. The HSE expects to issue design and build specifications to the short-listed design teams in the coming weeks and the framework agreement already in place will allow for this process to be completed in a short timeframe.

The 60 bed unit will comprise 40 adult beds, 6 psychiatry of old age, 4 professorial liaison beds and 10 Mental Health Intellectual Disability beds.  It will replace existing acute facilities at St. Ita's and provide for the needs of the North Dublin area.

- ENDS -