Waterside 8-bed children's unit to close next year

AN eight bed assessment unit for children and young people in Londonderry's Waterside is set to close next year.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Dec 2010, 10:57 BST

The Western Trust is closing the Rossneal Assessment Unit at Rossdowney Road as part of the changes to its residential child care service under the Comprehensive Spending Review announced in 2008.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey explained the service would be replaced by a rapid response service to children and young people in the community.

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Responding to an Assembly Question by Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney he stated: "Rossneal is a purpose built assessment unit which provides 8 beds for short term assessment of children and young people.

"The Western Health and Social Services Trust propose to close this unit in 2011 and replace it with a rapid response service to support children and their families in the community.

"This change is part of the planned review of residential child care services carried out in as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review in 2008 and was consulted upon in 2008."

Related topics:Western TrustFoyle MLA