Work starts on new mental health hospital in Bexhill
A ceremony has taken place at the site of a new mental health hospital
A ground breaking ceremony took place today on the site of a new mental health hospital in Bexhill, marking a major milestone for local NHS services.
The 54-bed Combe Valley Hospital will open its doors in Mount View Street next year.
The site was officially named Combe Valley - a name chosen by staff and service users.
Officials say "the new hospital will provide modern, high-quality care for people who may be experiencing serious mental health problems, emotional crisis, or severe distress which cannot be treated in the community".
The facilities replace dormitory accommodation at the Department of Psychiatry at Eastbourne District General Hospital.
Combe Valley Hospital has been developed by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) alongside NHS Sussex, the Integrated Care Board for Sussex, supported by significant input from local service users and staff.
Dr Jane Padmore, who is a registered mental health nurse, said:
"This is the largest development that we, as a trust, have undertaken for many years.
"Not only will Combe Valley provide a safe, therapeutic environment for the patients coming through our doors, but also give our staff a fantastic place to work.
"Thanks to our close working with service users and staff, we are confident that by next year we will have modern, high-quality facilities which will serve the people of East Sussex and beyond for a long time to come".
NHS Sussex chairperson Stephen Lightfoot said:
“This new hospital is a key part of the mental health improvements that our Sussex health and care system is making to implement our integrated care strategy – Improving Lives Together – which was launched in January 2023 and sets out our ambition to improve the health and care for everyone living in Sussex over the next five years".