Young people with mental health issues will benefit if a purpose-built child and adolescent unit gets the go-ahead on the Countess of Chester Health Park.
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) has submitted a planning application for the 26-bed unit on a vacant plot, which would replace current provision at Pine Lodge in Liverpool Road and Maple Ward at Bowmere Hospital, based on the health park.
The trust wants to provide a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) unit that meets modern standards as well as satisfying current local and regional needs.
A document accompanying the application states: “The existing facilities are spread around the local area and do not match current aspirations and standards and are of significant concern to the trust and the Care Quality Commission. The aim is to create a state-of-the-art facility for the treatment of young people with various mental health needs.”
Policy changes are driving the need for improved spatial standards and facilities that respect people’s privacy and dignity.
The document adds: “These changes have brought about radical changes in the last 20 years, requiring, for example, facilities such as en-suite single bedrooms to ward areas in lieu of the traditional multi-bed type layouts. Typical service users will be up to 18-years-old and will be receiving residential treatment.”
The unit will be situated next to the Countess of Chester Country Park and feature courtyard gardens to bring light into the building and provide secure outdoor therapy areas.
Tim Welch, deputy chief executive at CWP, said: “The new build will benefit from the latest green technologies alongside close proximity to the country park, with easy access to open spaces.
"As a Trust we are very excited about the development which will enable us to continue to provide high quality therapeutic CAMHS services and education.
"CWP is committed to reinvesting in our services to provide patients with the best possible experience and the new unit will be an excellent facility for young people and their families across Cheshire and Wirral.”
