Response to the health secretary's announcement on the New Hospital Programme

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, gave a statement in the House of Commons last week on the progress of the Government's New Hospital Programme and reiterated their commitment to delivering the schemes, which include a brand new Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Psychiatric Inpatient Care Unit (PICU) and new building and refurbishments at St Ann's Hospital at Dorset HealthCare.

Kris Dominy, Deputy Chief Executive of Dorset HealthCare, said:

“We are thrilled to hear that the Government has confirmed its continuing commitment to the Dorset HealthCare schemes as part of the New Hospital Programme.

“These developments are very important for the local people of Dorset, but also surrounding areas. The PICU will deliver a brand new service, meaning children and young people needing treatment will no longer be placed many miles away from their families, something which can be detrimental to the recovery process. There will also be improved facilities for those with mental health conditions through modernising our facilities and providing extra beds.

“Our schemes are progressing well, with recent planning approval for the CAMHS PICU on our Alumhurst Road site and we are hopeful to hear similar news for our plans at St Ann's Hospital soon too.

“All of this means it’s an exciting time at Dorset HealthCare. These planned building works will not only improve care for patients by providing more beds but mean local people can get treated sooner and closer to home, which will help with a speedier recovery.”

Read more about plans for our new CAMHS PICU as well as improvements and refurbishments at St Ann's on our future mental health page.