£15m centre for mental health patients

Mental health patients in Lincolnshire are to benefit from a new £15m centre.

The facility will replace two existing in-patient wards at St Georges Hospital in Long Leys Road, Lincoln, as well as creating a third female-only ward.

Currently women looking for intensive rehabilitation treatment – such as that offered at the centre – are forced to seek treatment out of the county leaving their support network of loved ones behind.

It is being funded by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Clinical co-ordinator for the development Ann Dodd said: "The new facility will enable local people to access mental health rehabilitation services that will best meet their needs and be closer to their local community and families.

"The whole service is focused on working towards independence and recovery. We want to enable people to regain health and mental wellness before being able to move on and live as independently as possible."

The centre will continue to focus on patients suffering from illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia.

Outline planning permission for the new centre has been granted. Plans include knocking down a disused building in Yarborough Court to build the new site. Each ward will sleep up to 15 patients in en-suite accommodation and include an office and therapy space.

To find out more, see Saturday's Echo.