Two new Essex mental health urgent care units announced
The units will be based at two Essex hospitals
Two new mental health urgent care units are being created in Essex.
They will be based at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, and at Colchester Hospital.
Construction work will see redevelopment of existing buildings on both sites.
The units will be operated by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, and are expected to open this summer.
Specialist staff will work with patients to understand what has triggered their mental health crisis and ensure they receive the right care in the best place to meet their individual needs, whether that be in hospital or at home, supported by community mental health teams and support organisations.
Paul Scott, Chief Executive at EPUT, said: “The units represent a meaningful investment in our mental health urgent care pathway, providing a therapeutic space for assessment and intervention which will improve the experience of people who come to us in acute distress.
“The units will strengthen the existing mental health crisis support available in Essex, helping to ease pressure on local emergency departments while delivering high-quality care for our communities.”
Tom Abell, Chief Executive Designate of the new Essex Integrated Care Board cluster, said:
“We know demand for mental health crisis care is rising, and these units will make a real difference by ensuring people across Essex can access timely, specialist support in calm, therapeutic spaces. They will improve people’s experience at some of their most difficult moments, while also easing pressure on emergency departments and helping our services keep pace with the needs of our growing population.”