A NEW multi-million pound unit is set to be built in Greenock for elderly and dementia patients from Ravenscraig Hospital.

Bosses at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde health board have unveiled plans for a 42-bed facility on the site of the former nursing residential complex at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

The relocation of elderly patients suffering from dementia and other mental health illnesses has been the main stumbling block in finally closing the ageing Ravenscraig complex, pictured.

The latest announcement comes after two failed attempts by the health board and Inverclyde Council to build a joint facility.

Councillor Joe McIlwee, chair of Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership, said: "I am delighted that the issue has finally been resolved.

"This is a major investment in care in Inverclyde.

"It also solves the problem of what to do with the IRH accommodation block which had been the cause of some concern by nearby residents." For the past three years there has been a phased closure of Ravenscraig Hospital with facilities moving elsewhere.

It was due to shut in 2011 but the date has had to be continually put back.

The initial plan from health chiefs was to open a 74-bed facility in partnership with Inverclyde Council, but they decided to reassess the decision after a second unsuccessful attempt to secure a provider.

Council bosses are now drawing up plans to commission places for 12 older people with dementia and other mental health illnesses plus spaces for eight other adults with learning disabilities to replace existing capacity in Ravenscraig.

They are also looking at building a round-the-clock care unit for up to eight people with severe mental health problems.

Meanwhile the NHS will go it alone, building the facility at the IRH for 30 elderly patients and 12 adults with severe learning disabilities.

Health bosses are now in talks with the Scottish Government to determine where the funds will come from and they hope to have Ravenscraig closed by December 2014.