Ahead of the Welsh Government Draft Budget being debated in the National Assembly, the Finance Minister has visited the construction site of a Mental Health Assessment Unit for Older People.

Finance Minister Jane Hutt spoke to staff and construction workers at the development of the Unit at Llandough Hospital which is receiving £56m of Welsh Government funding, announced in March and now on site.

The state of the art unit will help modernise the delivery of mental health services, offering a community focussed service but maintaining the vital role of inpatient services assessing the needs of both patients and carers.

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The scheme aims to bring together acute assessment services currently delivered from a number of different locations in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

The new unit will provide 82 beds mainly in single rooms, and a day hospital with associated accommodation. The project started on site in April 2010 and is expected to be completed in August 2012.

Ms Hutt, said:c"This unit is a fantastic example of the projects for which the Welsh Government provides capital funding. It is vital we, as a Government, continue to invest in schemes offering best value, promoting the best possible public services while creating jobs and boosting the economy.

"The construction industry in Wales has an estimated 10,000 businesses employing 100,000 people and has a pivotal role to play in the delivery of affordable housing, improved transportation infrastructure, better schools and hospitals and green energy infrastructure. By continuing with these capital projects we are showing our support for the construction industry in Wales."

(CD)