30th September 2026
Health Minister Robbie Butler MLA visited our Bluestone facility at Craigavon Area Hospital and Crozier House in Banbridge.
Bluestone is the Trust’s acute mental health inpatient care centre and it comprises of seven wards.
During his visit, Mr Butler was welcomed by Interim Chief Executive Steve Spoerry and senior members in the Trust’s Mental Health and Disability Services.
The Minister is pictured with thank you cards from recent service users of Bluestone.
The Minister viewed new artwork in the building donated by a local artist and service user and toured round Bluestone’s garden and green spaces.
Health Minister Robbie Butler is pictured with Bluestone staff including Agnes Dee, Head of Service Mental Health and Learning Disability Inpatients and right Interim Chief Executive Steve Spoerry.
He also met with staff and heard about the work of the multidisciplinary teams supporting people throughout their inpatient journey.
Joe Walker, Assistant Director of Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Inpatients said:
““Today’s visit provided an opportunity to showcase the dedication of our staff and the care and support they provide every day to those using our services.
“Creating an environment where people feel safe, supported and valued is an important part of our delivery of person-centred care. It is also central to our Vision and Strategy 2030 commitment to putting our service users and their experiences at the heart of everything we do.”
Health Minister, Robbie Butler said:
Mr Butler is pictured centre with staff from Crozier House and right Catherine Sheeran, Director of Adult Community Services.
“I am delighted to see first-hand the dedication, expertise and professionalism of the staff at Bluestone. This is a specialist facility providing vital support to patients and service users in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area.
“The commitment of staff to delivering high-quality care and the compassion they show every day is evident throughout the facility. Their efforts make a real difference to the lives of those who rely on these services, and I would like to thank them for their continued hard work and dedication.”
Mr Butler travelled to Banbridge to Crozier House Day Centre where he spent time meeting and speaking with residents. He was given a tour of the facility and had the opportunity to see the services and environment within the home.
During the visit, he met with the managers of Crozier House, Deirdre Irwin and Christine Carvill, as well as Director of Adult Community Services, Catherine Sheeran and Interim Head of Service for Statutory Residential and Day Care Services Anne Doris. He also spoke with staff from the Intermediate Care Team (ICT).
The visit was very positive and provided an opportunity to showcase the excellent work being undertaken within Crozier House and the Intermediate Care Services rehab team.