Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland and Health Minister, Edwin Poots have officially opened a new residential unit in Londonderry for adults with a learning disability.

The £3.3 million Ralphs Close scheme provides purpose built accommodation for 16 Western Trust patients who previously lived in Mourne House, Stradreagh Hospital. The closure of Mourne House brought an end to the many years of care of people with a learning disability within Stradreagh Hospital.

The award winning facility comprises of four purpose built bungalows each accommodating four residents. Each of the 16 residents has their own individual bedroom with ensuite bathroom linked to communal kitchen, dining room and sitting room facilities.

Minister McCausland said: "This is a magnificent scheme, a world away from the institutional setting that went before. Schemes like this make a huge difference to the daily lives of some of our most vulnerable people. They are a continuation of many years of inter-departmental working to shift away from long stay hospital accommodation to supported living in the community. Ralphs Close provides opportunities for residents to have a more independent lifestyle while still benefitting from continual care and support of dedicated staff.

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"My Department is committed to providing quality homes that meet the needs of the community and of the individual. I look forward to continuing the close working relationship with Minister Poots and the health and social care sector that has made these transitions possible. I wish residents much happiness and contentment in their new homes."

Minister Poots said: "This facility is an excellent example of what can be achieved when we work together for the good of our clients. In this case the Western Trust, Trinity Housing Association and the two Departments have combined their resources to allow these residents to live in beautiful surroundings which they can now call their own home.

"Improving services for those with a learning disability has been one of my top priorities since I became Minister for Health. And it continues to be so. I remain fully committed to helping people with learning disabilities to live as independently as possible in the community. Facilities such as these at Ralphs Close which ensure that clients are at the forefront in the design and developments of the service are very much in keeping with my Departments policies. I congratulate all involved in what they have achieved here and wish all of them every success for the future."

(CD/GK)