ADULT mental health patients will receive a better quality of care after Worcestershire opens its first new mental health ward.
The new ward aims to improve patients’ mental health by providing more privacy through private ensuite bedrooms instead of the previously shared sleeping quarters.
It is hoped that this will support patients in reaching their mental health goals quicker by reducing the time they spend in hospitals.
Holt ward is the first ward to be opened in The Elgar Unit by Hereford and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.
Dr John Devapriam, Medical Director at Hereford and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, said, “We’re delighted to formally open the new Holt Ward.
“The updated facilities will improve the therapeutic environment for our patients, enabling personalised care and supporting their right to privacy and dignity while they are with us.”
The completion of the ward signifies the completion of the first phase of the Hereford and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust’s £11 million scheme to improve mental health facilities.
This is part of a wider £400million nationwide scheme known as ‘The Elimination of Dormitories’ that is making progress in Worcestershire.
Mark Hudgeon is the Divisional Director at Speller Metcalfe, who the Trust has appointed to undertake its work.
He said: “We are very proud to be making such an important contribution to the quality of care those suffering from mental ill health receive in Worcester.
“We are pleased to be handing over the first ward at this location and are ready to move forwards towards project completion.”
The team is now moving on to the second phase of work on the existing Athelon Ward, where they will provide 30 bedrooms for patients.
