Patients have say on mental health

10:08am Tuesday 19th September 2006

PENSIONERS with mental health problems are being consulted on changes to a care service.

The Bolton, Salford and Trafford Mental Health Trust is planning to invest £800,000 in care for older people with mental illness.

Bosses hope to expand community day care places and modernise day hospital services in Bolton.

Two wards at the Royal Bolton Hospital are being refurbished and will provide 20 beds. Patients on one of the wards will have access to a garden.

Belmont Day Hospital, which is based at the Royal Bolton Hopsital and provides 20 day places between Monday and Friday, will close. A smaller facility will be opened on the site to provide short-term care for up to 10 patients a day. An extra 12 places will be provided at Firwood Centre, Crompton Way, Bolton.

Dr Mike Brownlee, of Bolton Mental Health and Social Care Directorate, said the resources would also benefit the community mental health teams for older people.

The consultation runs until October 13. For a copy of the document, contact Stacey Haslam on 01204 390850 or stacey.haslam@rbh.nhs.uk