Adult mental health unit opens its doors at University Hospital Llandough

A new state-of the-art adult mental health unit at University Hospital Llandough was officially opened yesterday by the Minister for Health and Social Services, Mark Drakeford.

Built thanks to a £88m investment from the Welsh Government, Hafan y Coed includes 135 beds for assessment and treatment as well as first class therapeutic, social and recreational facilities, including a gym, multi-use games area and private courtyard gardens for each ward.

Built to replace the 108 year old Whitchurch Hospital, this ultra-modern unit has been designed with the safety, dignity and privacy of people at its heart.

It brings physical and mental health services together on one site at Llandough, to provide integrated healthcare for people in a modern and secure environment.

Professor Drakeford said: “It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to see the investment in Hafan Y Coed come to fruition. The design and build of this centre for rehabilitation and recovery is wonderful and I’m sure it will make a real difference to people who need care within a hospital setting.

“The Welsh Government wants to see a Wales in which people are able to realise their own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life and work productively whilst contributing to their community.

“Good mental health is really the foundation of all health and wellbeing. This is why we are continuing to invest in mental health services and infrastructure to enhance provision across Wales.”

Maria Battle, Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: “We grow better tomorrows when we plant good seeds today” are fitting words in the entrance to Hafan y Coed. This is a place of hope, rehabilitation and healing for service users as they embark on their recovery journey.

“We are grateful for the Welsh Government investment of £88m  to create this world class facility.

“The key to its success is listening to service users and working in partnership with carers, staff and the developers to design an environment, which will undoubtedly have such a positive impact. We can all be very proud of Hafen y Coed. It shows we care as a nation and we care as a Health Board.”