Health Minister Edwina Hart has approved the latest plans for the development of a new inpatient adult mental health unit in Cardiff.
The new unit at the University Hospital, Llandough, will bring together existing adult and specialist services currently provided at Whitchurch Hospital and the Llanfair Unit, Llandough.
The plans follow a review of mental health services by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
The Welsh Assembly Government has earmarked in excess of £90million for the new unit. This funding will be released following satisfactory completion of a Full Business Case.
It purposed-designed unit will include:
- 125 beds and more community services;
- Enhanced quality, safety and effectiveness of specialist in-patient care for adults;
- Improved privacy and dignity for patient;
- Assessment, treatment and rehabilitation; and,
- 24/7 specialist medical support and other facilities at the University Hospital, Llandough.
Mrs Hart said:
“We have invested significantly in new child, adult and elderly mental health facilities across Wales.
“We are committed to continually improving mental health facilities. Once opened, this development will improve the care for patients and the working environment for staff. By bringing together a range of services and staff under one roof will ensure we maximise the skills of all staff for the benefit of patients.
“We are maintaining our investment in the health service in cash terms over the next three years – despite the impact of the UK Government’s cuts to the Welsh budget.”
Mutale Merrill, Vice-Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board – which runs the University Hospital, Llandough – said:
“This decision is a key step forward in our work to improve local services for people with mental health needs. The benefits of a single, purpose-built unit on the University Hospital Llandough site, co-located with other health services will be enormous.”
Dr John Lewis, Senior Consultant and Divisional Director for Mental Health Services, Cardiff and Vale UHB, added:
“This is good news for patients, staff and the community. Our plans reflect the outcome of a wide public consultation on how we will deliver services in the future. It is important to remember that, while the new inpatient unit is a vital part of the model, we are also working hard to develop our community-based services.”
