Welsh Government
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Extra rehabilitation beds in Treorchy making a difference to patients

Health Minister Mark Drakeford has visited the Supported Recovery Unit at Ysbyty George Thomas, in Treorchy, to see how an extra 15 rehabilitation beds are offering recovery and support for people experiencing  mental health problems in Cwm Taf. 

Before the new beds were added to the purpose-built unit, many patients either stayed on an acute ward or were referred to a high cost non-NHS facility for step-down care. Some people were transferred between hospital and non-NHS centres, resulting in repeat admissions.

The Supported Recovery Unit at Ysbyty George Thomas tailors treatment and care programmes to each individual person, ensuring their goals are described, understood and achieved.

Typically, people transferred to the unit have experienced many years of mental health problems. The unit with its staff and personalised care and treatment programmes gives them an opportunity to recover from their illness and lead an independent life. Average length of stay ranges from between six to nine months.

Professor Drakeford said:

“This unit exemplifies a prudent approach to mental healthcare, offering a level of intervention appropriate to people’s needs helping them to recover to a point where they can live as independently as possible.

“We have put in place rigorous arrangements to ensure progress is made towards the vision set out in Together for Mental Health and the actions set out in the supporting delivery plan are implemented.

“This includes the establishment of partnership boards, with strong service user and carer membership, at a national and local level to assure delivery and the requirement to develop annual reports on progress.

“This will ensure mental health and wellbeing remains a priority.”

Dr Paul Davies, Assistant Director of Operations for Mental Health at Cwm Taf University Health Board said:

“Our mental health services are designed not only to help people get well but to ensure they get the right support to return home and to their communities. We were proud to showcase to the Minister our Supported Recovery Unit at Ysbyty George Thomas which is a new addition to the wide range of support services we offer to people with mental health problems in Cwm Taf

Channel website: http://gov.wales

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