Blackwater House in Monaghan was officially opened by Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler on Friday. The 16 bedded unit provides supports to people, over 65, that are mentally ill or suffering from dementia.
The new build comprises two eight-bedroom bungalows, each with a sluice room, living room, kitchenette and quiet room. The launch of the Cavan Monaghan Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse's (SCAN) service also took place on the day.
Padraig O Beirne, Area Director of Nursing with Cavan Monaghan Mental Health Services says that people in the region now have a place to reach out to in times of despair. "We have recruited two Clinical Nurse Specialists, one for Cavan and one for Monaghan who will operate and deliver this service.
"They will work with GPs to provide rapid assessment for people presenting with self-harm or suicidal thoughts to general practice. This will also provide a process for access to the Adult and Old Age Community Mental Health Teams for those requiring this intervention," he added.
