A LOCAL local NHS mental health Trust will be opening two new older people’s wards next week.

Meadowbank, a 13 bed unit, and Brackendale, with 20 beds, are part of Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (CWP) Springview Hospital based in Clatterbridge.

Ian Davidson, CWP interim chief executive, said: “This is a great development for Wirral and will enable the trust to provide the highest quality of in-patient care for those older people with mental health problems, such as dementia, depression and psychosis, who will benefit from in-patient treatment.

“The design of the wards and implementation of the project has included the close involvement of service users who will be using the service and the Alzheimer’s Society.

“Patients will have access to gym facilities, occupational therapy and will benefit from a therapeutic garden environment. New design features also include en-suite rooms and additional single sex lounges for comfort and privacy.”

Sue Newnes, Wirral branch manager of the Alzheimer’s society, says: “A great deal of care has gone into the design and planning of these new wards and we were happy to be involved with CWP and service users to improve the environment and quality of care for people with dementia.”