Dreghorn childrens unit to close next month

Mount View Residential Children’s Unit will shut down on March 31.

North Ayrshire’s health partnership said the planned closure was due to the facilities being dated and the building fabric being unsuitable for upgrading to regulated standards.

After the closure, care will be provided for children and young people in four existing fit-for-purpose residential children’s units.

Residential care will be provided for 32 children and young people across four children’s units, with 87 members of existing staff to be employed across four units.

A spokesperson said: “North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership is committed to ensuring that North Ayrshire’s children and young people who are looked after experience a nurturing, safe, supportive and high quality environment. This is our first priority.”

Robert Foster, Labour's cabinet minister for health and social care and Irvine South Councillor, said: "Looking after the children and young people in our care is one of the most important jobs that the Council does, North Ayrshire Council was the first local authority in Scotland to pass policy to take care experienced young people up to the age of 26 out of paying Council tax to help support them in their own tenancies.

"There has been a lot of consideration taken into account before this decision was made and we will ensure that the children have a smooth transition once the childrens unit closes."

SNP Irvine South Councillor Christina Larsen said: “The closure of Mount View Residential Children’s Unit will not affect the high quality care provided for the children and young people who resided there.

“It is important positive action is taken to provide the correct environment for our children and young people that meets the required standards, along with the nurturing and safe surroundings they deserve.”

The councillor added: “Supporting the children and young people during this transition period will remain a priority for Health and Social Care Partnership.”