To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why the Dorothy Gardner and Rathlin wards at Knockbracken are to be amalgamated; and for his assessment of the impact on patient care.

The Trust has more beds than is required and is merging the Dorothy Gardiner and Rathlin admission wards on the Knockbracken site to Rathlin Villa. Rathlin will have two wings, one male and one female. The Dorothy Gardner Villa will become the rehabilitation ward for the Trust. The Trust is confident this will bring a vast improvement in the quality of accommodation for patients who may spend lengthy periods of time in hospital. The reduction in acute beds and enhancement of community mental health services is in line with Bamford recommendations.

Belfast Trust, met recently with a wider group of concerned carers and former patients and, having listened to their concerns, has decided to take another look at its plans to merge the Dorothy Gardiner male villa and the Rathlin female villa.

Representations have also been made to the Trust encouraging the continuation of Rathlin villa as a female only ward and the Trust has agreed to consider if reconfiguration of acute provision could accommodate this suggestion.