Dorset HealthCare invests heavily in new mental health facility at St. Ann's

A brand new state-of-the-art clinic in Poole for mental health inpatients is helping transform their lives and support them on the road to recovery.

Half a million pounds has been spent on the new Purbeck Suite at St Ann’s Hospital, which boasts a modern and spacious waiting room, specialist recovery area, refreshment facilities and calming clinic rooms.

The new building means DHC’s mental health team can continue providing health screening as well as physical assessments, examinations and observations.

It also offers electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) – a treatment that involves sending an electric current through the brain, clinically proven to relieve the symptoms of some of the most severe mental health problems.

ECT and Physical Health Team manager Sally Orme-Lumsdon said: “We are delighted with our new home after working in a temporary building for a while. We can now offer our services in spacious, comfortable surroundings.

“Also, the new clinic has been designed with the patient journey in mind, with input from carers and staff on colours, furnishings and art work. This gives the facility a really personal feel.”

The new centre is situated inside one of the original buildings on the St. Ann’s site on Haven Road that dates back to the 1920s, and work took just six months to complete.

The Mental Health Team at St. Ann’s sees around 20 inpatients a week, carrying out around 800 different health assessments and treatments a year for people who are diagnosed with severe to moderate depression, catatonia (behavioural abnormality) and resistive schizophrenia.

Clinical Lead Liz Mumford said: “We treat a wide range of people with mental health issues, which also affects their physical wellbeing.

“Our new clinic rooms and recovery area form a much more attractive and calming environment for patients and this has a positive impact on their recovery.”