'Calm and safe' mental health unit opens

A mental health unit offering support for working-age adults has opened in Lincolnshire.

The 19-bed mixed-gender unit, called Havenside, would replace an existing ward at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said.

The purpose-built facility has been designed to create a calm, safe and therapeutic environment, the trust added.

Trust chairman Kevin Lockyer said the space would "help people feel safe, supported and respected when they need it most".

Officials said the facility was part of a programme to end dormitory-style accommodation across Lincolnshire's mental health inpatient services.

The new facility features en-suite bedrooms, dedicated indoor and outdoor therapeutic spaces and a wellbeing cafe.

The trust has also worked with the University of Lincoln's School of Creative Arts to create "mindful and therapeutic" artwork for the ward.

Trust chief executive Sarah Connery said: "This is a significant step forward in improving inpatient mental health care in Lincolnshire."

Patients will transfer across to the new ward over the coming weeks, the trust said.

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