Work begins on multi-million pound development at Fieldhead

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Work has started on the state of the art redevelopment of the Heath unit at Fieldhead, Wakefield.

The Heath Unit is a specialist service which provides treatment and care for men with learning disabilities and mental health problems who require a medium secure setting.

Demolition has begun on the existing buildings on the development site – which previously housed facilities and PALS (patient advice and liaison service). The demolition will be completed by 6th February, with building work starting soon after. It is hoped that the new unit will be finished by early 2007.

The redevelopment of the unit is part of a regional review of services. Project lead Mick Burns explains, ‘We identified regionally that large numbers of people were placed out of area for care. This rebuild of this unit will provide high quality services locally for this group of patients. We have provided this service for the last 22 years with an excellent track record, and this is the next stage for the service. The new unit will provide state of the art facilities.’

The new building will provide double the number of beds, different wards for assessment/treatment and continuing care, a dedicated therapy/education area and extra office and staff rest facilities.

Mick says, ‘Unlike the current Heath Unit, the new development has been designed for this purpose. It will ensure patients are cared for in a modern environment with more space, more light and more access to activities. There will be an all round improvement in therapeutic environment.’

Work begins on multi-million pound development at Fieldhead

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