WORK has started on a multi-million pound psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Oxford that will be ‘essential’ for young people across the county.

The new eight-bed ward at the Warneford Hospital will allow young people experiencing the most acutely disturbed phase of a serious mental disorder to get specialist help closer to home.

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust’s £4 million building, which is supported by NHS England funding, is set to be built alongside the award-winning Highfield Adolescent Inpatient Unit at the hospital in Headington.

The new unit will provide inpatient mental health care, assessment and comprehensive treatments for young people across the Thames Valley.

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Oxford Health says it is part of an innovative model for the delivery of specialised mental health care for children and young people, led by the trust.

Working alongside other care providers, it has been hailed as a ‘pioneering’ approach that seeks to share resources and expertise to deliver joined-up care.

Debbie Richards, executive managing director of mental health, learning disabilities and autism, commented on the future of the service: “This specialist PICU unit is essential so that young people can be cared for as close to home as possible to ensure the best possible outcomes.

“We have seen an increase in demand and acuity during Covid-19.

Debbie Richards, Executive Managing Director for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism, at the site of the new unit

Debbie Richards, Executive Managing Director for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism, at the site of the new unit

“As the lead provider for the Thames Valley, our clinicians are constantly managing regional and local pressures on beds.

“This additional capacity will be a most welcome and timely addition.”

Set to open at the beginning of next year, service users will be consulted in developing the interior look and layout of the PICU ahead of the opening.

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A recruitment campaign will also be launched soon to ensure that the necessary specialist workforce is in place.

The core objectives of the new facility include assessing and treating mental disorders, reducing the risk of harm a young person poses to themselves and others, and 'managing acute mental and behavioural disturbance'.

It will also provide a time-limited (days/weeks) intervention, which will 'allow a safe transition to an appropriate alternative mental health setting as soon as this is possible'.

Tony James, consultant at the Highfield Adolescent Unit, commented: “I am delighted that construction is commencing on the PICU unit.

“It will provide a range of specialist programmes to enable a more comprehensive inpatient care pathway.”