Future of Causeway Hospital’s mental health ward in question as funding stalls for new £143m facility

The Causeway Hospital, Coleraine

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has responded to concerns about the proposed closure of an 18-bed acute admission ward at Causeway Hospital in Coleraine.

A statement was issued following issues raised by campaign group SOS Causeway Hospital during a recent meeting with Trust representatives regarding the future of the Ross Thomson Unit.

Representatives from SOS Causeway Hospital met with Dr Petra Corr, Director of Mental Health and Learning Disability, at Causeway Hospital on 31 October to discuss the planned closure of the facility.

A 134-bed mental health development is planned by the Trust at Bush Road, Antrim, to replace the existing Holywell Hospital and the Ross Thomson Unit.

However, progress on the £143 million Birch Hill mental health facility has stalled due to a lack of confirmed capital funding. The Trust had expected to receive the building for commissioning by December 2029, a date that has already been pushed back.

The Trust has requested that “enabling works” be carried out on-site to allow the project to move forward if funding becomes available from the Department of Health.

In a statement, Gemma Brolly, chairperson of SOS Causeway Hospital, said:

“From the very beginning, SOS Causeway Hospital voiced serious concern about the planned closure of Ross Thomson.

“In 2023, we raised these concerns directly with the Permanent Secretary of Health, emphasising that while the existing services and set-up at Ross Thomson were not without challenges, it was vital that experienced local voices be involved in shaping future mental health provision in its absence.

“We were assured at the time that public and community input would form part of this process. When we met with Dr Petra Corr on 31 October, we reiterated our concerns.

“It became evident that poor communication has fuelled uncertainty and anxiety within the community—particularly among vulnerable service users. This is not acceptable and it is something that must now be actively and urgently addressed.”

Ms Brolly said the group was grateful to be accompanied by Yasmin from the Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trust, whose lived experience and ongoing mental health advocacy “brought an invaluable and compassionate voice to the discussion.”

“We were encouraged to hear that while Ross Thomson is due to close, 24/7 specialist mental health care, including the liaison and home treatment services, will continue to operate from Causeway. However, this reassurance must be communicated clearly and publicly to prevent unnecessary distress.

“All present agreed that clearer, timely communication and the creation of a community consultative body—bringing together experienced representatives, service users and professionals—are essential.

“By working together and pressing for the investment our community deserves, we can secure the best possible mental health care for the Causeway area.”

Yasmin added:

“The voluntary and community sector across the Causeway Coast and Glens continues to play a vital role in providing mental health support services for many individuals.

“We recognise the importance of clear and consistent communication on critical issues such as the closure of the Ross Thomson Unit. Strengthening dialogue between all stakeholders will help ensure a collaborative approach that places the needs of our community at the forefront.

“The Zachary Geddis Trust welcomes the opportunity to be included in the next stages of discussion and planning along with other key voices.”

Adele Tomb, vice chair of SOS Causeway Hospital, said:

“Our community needs to see transparency, accountability and genuine collaboration. We will continue to advocate for local voices to be heard at every stage of this process.”

In response, a spokesperson for the Northern Health and Social Care Trust said:

“The group received an update from the Trust on the wide range of mental health services that we provide across the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

“We were also able to share the good news that we have secured permanent funding to enhance our mental health liaison service at Causeway Hospital’s Emergency Department and hospital wards, with the service now operating 24/7.

“This service works in partnership with colleagues to provide specialist mental health assessment and support to individuals attending the Emergency Department, resulting in more timely assessment and referral pathways for ongoing treatment and care.”

Dr Corr added:

“We very much welcome this engagement with SOS Causeway as it provided an opportunity to update on the latest good news about us being able to establish a 24/7 mental health liaison service at Causeway Hospital.

“This is a really welcome development and will ensure there is now early specialist intervention available round the clock. Not only is this positive for our service users, it is also hugely beneficial for colleagues as it provides them with another layer of support, especially during very busy periods, and helps to divert people to the most suitable care pathways in a timely way.

“We know that our demographic is changing; we have an increasing older population and that brings with it challenges in terms of increased incidences of mental health issues including dementia.

“As part of our ‘Vision for Causeway Hospital’, we want to ensure that the services we provide are responding to those changes and reflect the needs of the local population.”

Planning permission for the Birch Hill project was granted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in June 2024. At that time, completion was expected by late 2028.