Mental health recovery unit opens

The facility was opened on Monday

People with mental health issues on the Isle of Man can now be treated closer to home with the opening of a new facility at Noble's Hospital.

The rehabilitation and recovery unit, called Geddyn Reesht, has space for 14 beds, reducing the need to transfer patients to the UK.

It also means Manx people currently being treated in the UK can be repatriated to the island.

Geddyn Reesht, which means "recovering" in Manx Gaelic, was opened on Monday.

The ceremony was performed by the former member for social services, Dudley Butt MLC.

Respite care

Mr Butt said the facility signified the Department of Health and Social Security's (DHSS) commitment to local services.

Eddie Teare MHK, DHSS minister, added: "The development of Geddyn Reesht will enable the Mental Health Service to repatriate service users currently placed in UK treatment facilities back to the Isle of Man.

"And in future the number of people requiring transfer off island will be reduced to situations of exceptional circumstance."

The service provided at Geddyn Reesht offers treatment programmes based on respite and relapse prevention.