A NEW state-of-the-art specialist inpatient unit for older people with dementia and complex needs is opening in North Yorkshire – at a cost of almost £4m.

The new development at Springwood in Malton has been created by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

It replaces accommodation that has been well established on the Malton Hospital site for a number of years and patients, carers and staff have all been involved throughout the planning process.

The unit has facilities designed to offer patients from North Yorkshire 24-hour care within modern, homely surroundings. The new spacious and contemporary building provides 14 single en-suite bedrooms, one of which is equipped as a high dependency suite.

There are also internal and external wander pathways which offer patients with dementia, who can become anxious or agitated the space to wander in a safe and secure environment.

Consultant psychiatrist and senior clinical director for mental health services for older people, Dr Tolu Olusoga said: “We are very proud to open our new Springwood unit which staff, patients and their carer’s have been involved in developing.

“This purpose-built development provided by TEWV is a key part of the trust’s plan to fundamentally modernise the way we provide services. It has dramatically improved the inpatient environment on a site which is a long established part of the local community.”

Unit manager Tracey Hutchinson said: “The new facilities at Springwood will enable people to receive high quality person-centred inpatient care, based on their individual needs, and delivered in a purpose-built modern environment by a team of very specialist and dedicated staff.”