Recently-approved plans to build a new mental health unit in west Leeds have been described as “transformational” by healthcare professionals, writes Richard Beecham.
A new facility for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) is set to be built at the St Mary’s Hospital in Armley, and is expected to open in 2021.
Leeds City Council last month approved plans for the site, which include 22 beds, therapeutic areas and an activity room.
Thea Stein, Chief Executive of Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust which provides CAMHS services, said:
“This purpose-built unit will be truly transformational in so many ways and I look forward to the day we are able to move in.
“I’d also like to thank the local community and its representatives for being so welcoming to the development during the pre-planning stages. We will do all we can to make sure we are a good neighbour during construction and beyond.”
The new unit will provide 22 in-patient beds, as well as improved facilities for children and young people across West Yorkshire.
Leeds and York Partnership NHS Trust added:
“This will include a range of spacious and therapeutic areas, including a multi-purpose activity room, educational facilities, a family visiting room, courtyards and a green communal space for service users and staff.
“There will also be a health-based place of safety in the unit, where a young person who is thought to be in urgent need of care will receive a mental health assessment to ensure they get the most appropriate support.”
The trust added that it would soon start work on the site, with the demolition of some existing buildings due to take place in February 2020.
The construction of the new unit is planned to start at the end of April 2020, and expected to be open from September 2021.
