Embarking on a transformative journey, the construction of two cutting-edge mental health facilities marks a significant leap forward. At the heart of this initiative is the commencement of work on an eight-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) tailored for children and young individuals in Bournemouth.

Simultaneously, a replacement for the adult PICU is underway at St Ann's Hospital in Poole. These units will play a crucial role in ensuring that seriously ill individuals receive care in proximity to their support network. Currently, young people often face the challenge of being sent miles away for specialised treatment, a gap Dorset Healthcare aims to bridge.

The Poole facility is set for a comprehensive upgrade, providing adult patients with individual rooms, and introducing a new "place of safety" suite for patients detained under the Mental Health Act. This ambitious construction project, exceeding £70 million, is expected for completion and to be fully operational by 2026.

Securing funding through the government's New Hospitals Programme, Dorset Healthcare has expressed its delight at spearheading these vital projects. The facilities will have a positive impact on reducing out-of-area placements and enhancing individuals' chances of recovery.

The next phase of this groundbreaking endeavour and full-scale construction is scheduled to commence in early 2024, marking a crucial milestone in a commitment to advancing mental health care.