The island’s new acute inpatient mental health unit is expected to welcome its first patients at the end of the month.

Manannan Court, a £7.2m facility based on the Noble’s Hospital estate, has been built on budget and will replace the current inpatient unit Grianagh Court.

The new unit is 30 per cent larger than Grianagh Court - increasing bed numbers from 20 to 26. It has been specially designed to meet modern standards of inpatient care for those with acute mental health problems.

A particular focus has been on safety measures to reduce the risk of self-harm.

Building work involved the construction of two new suites - the Harbour Suite and the Glen Suite - to adjoin the existing Geddyn Reesht which is being refurbished to become the River Suite.

Manannan Court is located at the northern end of the Noble’s Hospital estate just off the Ballaoates Road.

Health and Social Care Minister Kate Beecroft said: ’This is a very significant investment by government in a key health facility. It will make a huge difference.’

The public have been invited to tour the facility before it opens. A total of 105 places are available for guided tours on March 22 on a first come, first served basis. To book a place contact Jodi Pinckard on 642843 or email at [email protected]