Plans progress on Irvine's secure mental health unit for young people

It is hoped work will begin as soon as next month to start building Scotland's first secure mental health facility for young people.

The National Secure Adolescent Inpatient Service will be called 'Foxgrove' and will be based at the Ayrshire Central Hospital Campus.

The name was selected from a number of options in a vote by members of the public.

Foxgrove will be a 12-bedded unit for children aged 12 to 17 years who have complex difficulties and need a high level of care.

The purpose built facility in Ayrshire means that children will be cared for nearer to home and will receive appropriate care, treatment, therapies, security and on-going education.

Previously young people may have ended up being cared for in adult mental health wards or had to travel to England.

Stephen Brown, Director for North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Currently, there are no facilities in Scotland to care for this most challenging and vulnerable group of patients. This means that children are referred to secure adolescent mental health facilities in England, or in some cases, the child may be cared for in an adult inpatient setting. This places significant additional pressure and stress on the child, as well as their families.

“This service will improve the outcomes for young people who are seriously unwell and pose a risk to themselves. It offers complex mental health care and support services within an appropriate environment in Scotland. The unit will also provide a 21st century environment that will meet the needs and aspirations of the young people affected, as well as their families and carers.”

WATCH A VIRTUAL WALK THROUGH OF FOXGROVE

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