Psychiatric intensive care unit for women to open

A new psychiatric intensive care unit specifically for women with severe mental health conditions is set to launch in Kent and Medway. Funded by a £4.63m investment from the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, this facility marks the first time such dedicated support has been available to women in the local area.

The 10-bed site, located at Littlestone Lodge in Dartford, is designed to offer short-term, high-intensity assistance for those requiring additional care. The unit is projected to deliver approximately 2,500 bed days of care annually, with the first patients expected to be admitted by the end of November.

Regarding the development, the trust's chief medical officer Dr Afifa Qazi noted that it represents a significant advancement, as previously women in need of this level of specialist support "have not been able to receive this specialist care from our team". She added: "This new service means we can now provide specialist, compassionate care at a particularly difficult time in their lives."

Dr Qazi further explained that staff would focus on understanding each individual beyond their clinical requirements, stating: "Our team will take the time to get to know each woman, understand what matters to her and recognise her as a person, not just her mental health needs." The trust plans for the unit to facilitate a more integrated treatment pathway, allowing for smoother transitions between hospital and community settings.

While the facility primarily serves the region, two of the 10 beds may be allocated to patients referred by other NHS trusts based on specific circumstances. This development complements the existing 12-bed Willow Suite at Littlebrook Hospital, which provides intensive mental health care for men.