North Ayrshire Council has told the NHS that it supports the construction of a new hospital for acutely-ill mental health patients in Irvine.

Responding to NHS Ayrshire and Arran consultation on the location of the hospital the Council has gone for the single site new-build option in the grounds of Ayrshire Central Hospital.

The Council's executive approved the recommendation this afternoon last Tuesday.

The new purpose-built facility will ensure improved accommodation for patients and staff built on to existing mental health services, be energy efficient and will treat a wide range of patients with different needs give staff an attractive environment to work in, providing support in a central location

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Bernadette Docherty, Corporate Director, Social Services, said the new facility at Ayrshire Central eased travelling for patients and relatives from North and East Ayrshire. It would bring a significant economic boost to the area with increased direct and indirect job opportunities.

As the proposals were developed there would be a need to reassure local residents on sensitive issues. For instance it should be pointed out that the new secure unit for Acute In-Patient Services was for the protection of the patients.

The new hospital at Ayrshire Central was one of five options put forward by the NHS Board.

The others were: a combined new-build/refurbishment at Ailsa; a two site option with main services at Ailsa, a new smaller site at Ayrshire Central; a newly built main facility at Ayrshire Central, a second smaller site at Ailsa; the status quo.

The Committee's recommendation may be subject to scrutiny.

(GK/JM)