We showcase our services to local MP

Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin gained an insight into the work of a range of our services when she visited our Trust on 15 and 16 February.

On Thursday 15 February, Tracy was given a tour of Newton Lodge, a 90-bed medium secure hospital based at Fieldhead in Wakefield. The service provides care and treatment for women and men with mental health problems and men with a learning disability from across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Tracy was also shown the work of the Bretton Centre, a low secure inpatient service which provides care for 38 men in 4 wards. She finished her first day at our Trust with a look at the Unity Centre, our new purpose-built adult acute mental health centre. The centre forms part of our £17m Fieldhead master plan to transform mental health services in Wakefield.

Tracy returned on Friday 16 February to Folly Hall Mills in Huddersfield where she spoke to members of staff from our Creative Minds, Kirklees intensive home-based treatment, perinatal, and child and adolescent mental health services teams.

Tracy said: “As an MP it is vital that I have a good understanding of the mental health services people can access in Batley and Spen and across Kirklees, and I am grateful for all those at the Trust who took the time out of their busy schedules to show me around and answer my questions.

“As I toured the services, I was struck by the passion of the incredibly hardworking staff who are clearly dedicated to providing the best care possible in what is a very challenging environment.

“With the NHS under increasing pressure, it is imperative that mental health services such as South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are given the funding and resources they need to thrive and continue their life-saving work.”

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