Welsh mental health facility receives approval

A new unit to support young people with mental health conditions is to be built in at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, it emerged today.

The £22 million facility which will open late next year is aimed at providing a round the clock service for people dealing with conditions including eating disorders, mood disorders and self-harm.

The unit will include a 14-bed planned treatment, a five-bed emergency and a high-dependency ward.

It is to be based in Bridgend because of its central location in south Wales – currently people travel to the Harvey Jones unit in Cardiff for treatment.

Edwina Hart, minister for health and social services, said: “The new unit will also enable more young people to receive care closer to their home, family and friends and reduce the need to travel for treatment.”

The MP for Gower has been a member of the Welsh Assembly since 1999 and took on her current role just over a year ago.

She is also the cabinet’s armed forces liaison in Wales.