Revamped Leicestershire Mental Health Unit Is Opened

A mental health unit which has more than doubled in size has been officially opened. Following £7 million of work, the Herschel Prins Centre, at Glenfield Hospital, can now accommodate women for the first time.

The centre, run by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, provides assessment and treatment for people who commit criminal offences due to their mental illness or whose behaviour means they need secure accommodation.

The number of beds has been increased from six to 18, in two wards – Griffin for six women and Phoenix for 12 men.

The extended and refurbished centre also houses a visiting area, outpatient clinic, gym, faith and reflection room and IT centre, and will be the base for the forensic community mental health and criminal justice teams.

The centre was opened by Professor Herschel Prins, an expert in criminology and forensic psychiatry.

Tony Harrop, trust chairman, said: “This unit will have a positive impact on the lives of men and women who stay here.

“The facilities will help people develop the skills to progress towards independence.”