New ward opens for children and young people with mental health disorders
A new ward for young people with serious mental health disorders will be officially opened by the Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford at Ty Llidiard in Bridgend later today (November 19th).
Ty Llidiard is an adolescent mental health unit providing care for up to 15 young people aged 12-18. In addition to the general ward, the new ‘Seren’ ward will provide extra care for young people experiencing an acute mental health crisis or who need more intense psychological treatment. The ward, which can accommodate three extra patients, is also suitable for more vulnerable young people who may need to be nursed separately, or who would benefit from a quieter environment.
Seren Ward has individual bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a TV-room and quiet lounge area, activity room and dining room.
Ty Llidiard which is part of the specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), admits around 65 young people a year from across South Wales who experience serious mental health disorders such as anorexia, severe depression and psychosis.
Professor Mark Drakeford said: “I am pleased to officially open the new Seren Ward, which will provide extra care for young people experiencing acute mental health crisis or who need more intensive treatment.
“The opening of Seren ward also means many more young people, who may previously have needed care further away, are able to stay nearer their homes, close to their family and friends.”
Dr Claire Ball, Clinical Director of CAMHS said: “The extra ward allows us to treat more young people in Wales who are suffering from serious mental health disorders and who need specialist treatment. We are lucky to have some of the most talented and specialist clinicians working in the CAMHS service in Wales and Seren ward offers an opportunity for them to care and support more young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties and need to treated in hospital.”
Julie Cude Head of Nursing at CAMHS said: “This extra care ward will particularly help the Nursing Team in delivering the right care at the right time to these young people presenting with complex needs, and who deserve a timely high quality service”.
Source: Cwm Taf University Health Board
