Work Begins On Fife Psychiatric Unit

Published 6th Jul 2015

Construction work has begun on a new £4.4 million psychiatric care unit.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined NHS Fife chief executive Paul Hawkins for a sod-cutting ceremony at the site of the Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit (IPCU) at Stratheden Hospital in Cupar today.

Construction of the IPCU facility, which will consist of an eight-bed unit, is the latest phase of improvements at the hospital, which cares for patients with mental illness.

Ms Sturgeon said: "This unit is the latest in a series of improvements to modernise the hospital which cares for people from across Fife.

"The Scottish Government is investing over £2 billion in Scotland's health infrastructure over the spending review period, with this development being one of many that demonstrate the Scottish Government's commitment to continually improving health services.

"Mental health services are an absolute priority of this Government and we have been investing heavily for a number of years in mental health provision.

"We have also recently announced our £100 million Mental Health Innovation fund, which is targeting additional investment over the next five years. This new funding will make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.''

The new building will include a communal lounge and rooms for rehabilitative and therapeutic activities.

Patients will each have their own en-suite bedroom and there will also be access to an outdoor courtyard and private meeting rooms for visits.

Mr Hawkins said: "Improving mental health facilities is one of NHS Fife's key priorities and a great deal of work has been undertaken over recent years to modernise much of the Stratheden Hospital site, with the construction of new facilities like Elmview and Muirview and the significant refurbishment necessary to create the Radernie low-secure unit.

"We are determined that our patients receive the highest quality care in modern, safe, secure and therapeutic environments and construction of the new unit is crucial to achieving that aim."

Picture from NHS Fife