A total of 38 beds will be provided at Forster Green hospital in south Belfast.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "No one could fail to be impressed by the fantastic new facilities that are being opened here today."

He added: "There are a wide variety of therapeutic interventions available in the unit delivered by highly skilled staff working together to ensure that our children and young people receive the highest quality assessment, treatment and care, in a modern and safe environment."

The regional child and adolescent mental health unit will have a variety of inpatient and day hospital places.