Patients Sleep on Sofas at Belfast Mental Health Unit After Building Failures

BBC News NI reported on September 25, 2025, that some patients are sleeping on sofas at Belfast's Acute Mental Health Inpatient Centre, a £33 million facility that opened six years ago. The use of sofas for patients stems from a reduced capacity at the 74-bed center after building issues forced the closure of two bedrooms.

yahoo.com reported, The problems include leaking pipes that have been an issue since 2022, leading to rot, black mould, and saturated floors. In March, the BBC reported that initial repair costs could reach £10 million, and in August, the health trust noted that replacing the entire water system could cost an additional £6 million. The Belfast Health Trust stated that work on the damaged bedrooms is almost complete and they are expected to be available in "the coming days." The trust is now working with legal advisors to assign liability for the remediation costs.