New mental health facility for youngsters is coming to Irvine

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Irvine will be the site of a national mental health facility for 12-18-year-olds with complex difficulties requiring a high level of care.Foxgrove will be the first medium secure adolescent inpatient service for young people in Scotland.The secure inpatient unit - currently being constructed at Ayrshire Central Hospital - will start welcoming patients in 2023.NHS Ayrshire & Arran was given the green light for the £16m facility after the Scottish Government Capital Investment Group scrutinised plans for Foxgrove.Ground, foundation and drainage works have already been completed on site.Caroline Cameron, Director for North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “This is fantastic news and is a real milestone in this national project which is being taken forward in Ayrshire and will benefit young people around the country.“Currently, there are no facilities in Scotland to care for this most challenging and vulnerable group of patients. "This means that children are referred to secure adolescent mental health facilities in England, or in some cases, the child may be cared for in an adult inpatient setting. "This places significant additional pressure and stress on the child, as well as their families.“Foxgrove will, without doubt, improve the outcomes for young people who are seriously unwell and pose a risk to themselves. "Scottish adolescents with complex mental health needs will be able to access the health care, education, and support services they need in an appropriate, modern environment bespoke to their needs and aspirations. "It is great news for young people throughout Scotland, as well as their families and carers.”Mental Wellbeing Minister, Kevin Stewart, said: “I am pleased that the Scottish