Plans approved for mental health unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan

Betsi Cadwaladr University (BCU) Health Board has commissioned BAM to create the complete design for a new inpatient adult and older persons mental health unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan, near Rhyl, Wales.

The Welsh Government backed the Health Board’s outline proposals on October 10. The project can now move forward to a full assessment. BAM’s connection builds on the excellent track record of schemes. They are developed in collaboration with BCU, such as the cancer treatment center and neonatal intensive care unit.

The £84.5 million, 63-bed mental health facility would replace current care and support services provided at the hospital’s Ablett Unit and the Bryn Hesketh inpatient older persons mental health facility in Colwyn Bay.

Scope of the mental health unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital

A 14-bed older person’s mental health ward with en-suite amenities and enhanced recreational spaces are among the plans. In addition, a 13-bed dementia care assessment unit will be built. This will include overnight accommodations for families and caregivers, as well as a secure courtyard, en-suite facilities in all bedrooms, and recreational and therapy spaces.

There will also be two purpose-built 16-bed adult wards, each with a de-stimulation area. Thus, it will offer a safe nursing environment for high-acuity patients and avoid transfers to other mental health units. An assessment suite, as well as more outdoor and therapeutic spaces and better staff and family spaces, are also in the plan. They will allow suitable patients to be moved from the Emergency Department in a timely manner.

The new mental health unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital will offer acute inpatient mental health care. This is for all adults from Conwy, Denbighshire, and parts of Flintshire. This is as well as a new Dementia Assessment Unit with the most recent evidence on dementia-supportive environments and a dedicated crisis assessment area.

The mental health unit project at Glan Clwyd Hospital was awarded to BAM under the NHS Building for Wales framework. It is NHS Wales’ construction procurement and delivery framework for major capital projects costing more than £4 million. Construction is currently set to begin in 2024 and finish in 2026, subject to final approvals.