THE opening of a mental health unit was marked with the planting of an oak tree.

Oaktree Lodge, a new unit for adults with mental health problems, was opened today at Memorial Hospital, Shooters Hill.

The new building provides a higher standard of accommodation compared to previous facilities provided at the hospital, improving the privacy and dignity of patients.

Improvements on offer include gender segregated sleeping areas with en-suite bathrooms and a patient activity room.

A unit spokesman said: Our residents are settling in well to their new home.

"All the staff and residents are enjoying the new facilities and we look forward to a very happy future here.''