A hospital in Leigh has been transformed to create extra beds for mental health patients. The mental health inpatient unit based in Leigh that treats adults living with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression and dementia.
Staff at the unit, run by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, work closely with different health and social care organisations to make sure that physical health, housing, finances, social care and other social needs are also met. Prior to the recent developments, analysis of admissions and discharge data by GMMH found that the capacity of the wards within the unit did not fully meet the needs of the local community.
It found that there were more beds for older patients than needed, and not enough for working age adults.
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The recent transformation has seen the opening of a new ward - the ‘Prospect Unit’ - brings 16 additional beds for adults of working age; and the redevelopment of the ‘Golbourne Unit’ ward to add three extra beds, bringing the total to 21.
Emma Nazurally, Associate Director at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) said: “It’s very important that people receive hospital care as near to home as possible. Moving patients further away into Out of Area Placements, can be a negative experience as it places them in unfamiliar environments, and can mean potentially less contact with friends and family.
“OAPs also tend to be most costly for the NHS. Our exciting transformation of Atherleigh Park has created additional capacity and created an environment that is as pleasant and therapeutic as possible.
“This means that our patients are able to receive the best care and treatment in their local area, which will help them on their recovery journey and return home as quickly as possible. This truly marks a new chapter for the highest quality inpatient mental health care and treatment in Wigan.”
The benefits of this rejuvenation are also anticipated to generate large cost savings for the NHS which will be reinvested into services, further supporting patients, carers and staff. The new wards officially opened on April 4, 2022, which was celebrated by an opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting on site.
The event was attended by staff and notable guests from the Championship rugby league side Leigh Centurions.
