Residents of Wiltshire are set to benefit from a new £20 million mental health unit, which is poised to significantly enhance care for individuals with learning disabilities and autism in the northern part of the Southwest region. Located in Bristol, this state-of-the-art facility will address the needs of those whose requirements exceed the capabilities of existing hospital or community-based services.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the unit, held on July 19, was attended by NHS staff, construction workers, and local individuals with lived experiences of learning disabilities and autism. The event marked the beginning of construction, with the new unit expected to open its doors in 2025. The facility will provide support for up to 10 patients at any given time, aiming to deliver care closer to home and reduce the necessity for distant hospital admissions.
Ben Stunnel, an autism peer mentor whose personal experiences have shaped the design of the new unit, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “It has been very rewarding and confidence-building to have our thoughts and ideas listened to,” Stunnel said. “It will be very exciting to see the building taking shape, knowing that we’ve made a significant contribution. I hope that many people and families will benefit from what this new building has to offer.”
The unit will be operated by the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and will complement a similar facility currently under construction in Devon. Laura Ambler, Executive Lead for Learning Disabilities and Autism at the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, praised the collaborative efforts involved in the project. “I am delighted that after months of rigorous planning and working in partnership with local people and their families, work on this new unit is formally under way,” Ambler stated. “This site will be a fantastic addition to our existing mental health services, and I know from speaking with local people that having this facility in our region will make an enormous difference to those who might otherwise have needed to travel significant distances for the right care and treatment.”
David Jarrett, Chief Delivery Officer for the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, also expressed his support for the project. “It is fantastic to see work starting on this much-needed facility,” Jarrett said. “Its development demonstrates our shared dedication to providing specialized, compassionate care that meets the unique needs of local people, ensuring they receive the support and services they deserve.”
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