St Andrews Ward in Wells has relocated to Yeovil’s new mental health in-patient ward. Now known as Rowan Ward 2, it provides fifteen in-patient beds, supported by an experienced mental health team. It is located next to the existing Rowan Ward 1, which has been extensively refurbished.
Rowan Ward 2 has been purpose-built to meet patients’ needs. Hazel Armstrong, clinical services manager for both Rowan wards, said:
“We’re so pleased to be able to welcome our patients from St Andrews this week. A lot of thought and hard work has gone into the build and refurbishment of both of our wards. We’re looking forward to working closely with our teams to provide the best standard of care.
“We know that it isn’t an easy move for some of our patients and their loved ones. Our teams will be on hand to welcome and support our patients in their transition to the new ward. We are very mindful about the potential impact of this move, and we will continue to work alongside people who matter to our patients and maintain the close links that we have with local mental health services in Mendip.”
Patients on both Rowan wards can access advanced facilities, including their own ensuite bedroom, an activity room, a communal lounge, a separate female lounge, a dining room, outdoor space, private, quiet spaces, a family room, a gym, and a kitchen.
Multi-disciplinary teams are on-site to cover both wards and provide 24-hour, safe, compassionate care seven days a week. The team includes specialist mental health doctors, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, health care assistants, service assistants, ward clerks, and activity organisers.
Ward manager Claire Cook explains:
“We know that every patient’s needs are different. We work with patients and the people who matter to them the most, alongside our multidisciplinary teams, to provide individualised care to support patients in their recovery.
“The relocation to Yeovil enables us to provide safer care for our patients, with additional access to 24-hour medical cover, seven days a week, and being a lot closer to Yeovil District Hospital.”
Bernie Marden, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Somerset, said: “After years of careful planning and hard work, it is really positive to see the opening of the specially designed ward in Yeovil.
“The relocation has always been about ensuring we are able to provide safer, better-quality care to those most in need, as well as being able to provide greater resilience and ensuring that patients receive the best care possible.
“In Somerset our focus is on proactively supporting individuals’ mental health needs at a local, community level, providing more support for people in their own homes or community settings. We believe that this is an important part of the recovery process. Our Community Mental Health teams and Open Mental Health helps to support people earlier on, reducing the need for further intervention.”
The ward is one of four adult acute inpatient wards in Somerset, with two now located in Yeovil and two in Taunton. The focus is to support people as close to home as possible in their communities through a range of local services.
You can learn more about both Rowan wards here and watch a short video to show you around.