Shannon Clinic

Shannon Clinic is Northern Ireland’s first medium secure unit and provides mental health service for patients who require intensive treatment and rehabilitation in a secure and therapeutic environment. It also helps to complete the range of mental health services now available in Northern Ireland,

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, decided that the new service should be provided by South and East Belfast Trust at Knockbracken Healthcare Park, following discussions with a number of health and social services trusts from throughout the province.

The £9m clinic can cater for up to 34 patients. Each of the clinic’s three wards has individual patient rooms, with en suite facilities, as well as a wide range of communal sitting and dining areas, therapy and physical activity areas. Patients will also have access to art and music therapy and a horticultural area.

Shannon now forms an important part of the regional network of Forensic Mental Health Services which are currently being developed in Northern Ireland. The clinic takes referrals from special hospitals, courts and prisons, psychiatric intensive care units and community forensic mental health teams.

Its services are for people from throughout Northern Ireland, some, but not all of whom, may have come though the judicial system. The service will provide assessment, treatment, care and rehabilitation with many patients remaining at the clinic for up to two years.