Health minister Jane Hutt: Praised initiative

The development at Whitchurch, though, is the first of its kind at a mental hospital.

Patients will be encouraged to exchange views and ideas on their illness and use the internet to gain access to information to help their personal development.

Ms Hutt said she was pleased to see a development that allowed patients a say in decision-making about their care.

"This exciting and stimulating activity will also be an enjoyable experience, contributing to patients' rehabilitation and quality of life while in hospital."

Eleri Cross, clinical director of therapies, said it was important for patients to understand what their treatment involved and what it was meant to achieve.

"The cybercafe will give patients the opportunity to search for information themselves," she said.

"We find the process of learning for themselves helps them come to terms with their condition."

The cybercafe will be staffed by two trained volunteers from the European Volunteer Service, an EC scheme for international volunteers.

"The volunteers will help and teach patients and supervise the use of equipment," Ms Cross added.