£19m mental health hospital opens
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7109594.stm Version 0 of 1. A centre described as the UK's most revolutionary mental health hospital has opened its doors to patients. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said the £19m Gartnavel Royal Hospital in Glasgow would transform inpatient care. Anne Hawkins, director of the mental health partnership, said the modern, innovative building would transform perceptions of mental health hospitals. The hospital in the west end houses 117 single en-suite rooms, a community cafe and is "light and spacious". Patients and staff were involved in the design of the building. Ms Hawkins said: "We wanted to create something special which would radically improve the environment for our patients and staff. "We also wanted to break down barriers and remove some of the stigma associated with mental health hospitals." The community cafe is one part of the efforts to remove that stigma. 'Large and gloomy' The hospital has six separate wards - three adult wards, two elderly wards and one intensive psychiatric care unit. It also houses clinical and therapeutic areas including a patient gym and a family-friendly room for patients with children. This doesn't compare to my previous experience, in an ordinary psychiatric hospital Moira Gillespie Ms Hawkins added: "Many people have outdated views about mental health hospitals and still think of them as large, gloomy institutions. "This new hospital will challenge these misconceptions and prove that mental health hospitals can be bright, attractive and welcoming. "Every effort has been made to promote a feeling of comfort, privacy and self-esteem." The hospital serves those with mental health problems in the west end of Glasgow. It is hoped patients will be in the hospital for a shorter period of time and the facility will "showcase" what can be done. Moira Gillespie, former service user and chair of the mental health network for Greater Glasgow, applauded the privacy provided by the new hospital. Newer wards She said: "This doesn't compare to my previous experience, in an ordinary psychiatric hospital. "If I had to be back in hospital this is what I would like. "The fact service users have had input from the beginning in this hospital is vitally important." The hospital is built near the existing Victorian hospital, which will be closed and sold. Some of the newer wards on the site will be upgraded and continue to provide inpatient services for those for patients with drug and alcohol problems. |