Ministerial visit highlights progress made at Royal Cornhill Hospital

Investment by NHS Grampian in the environment for forensic mental health care was at the forefront of a recent visit by Maree Todd, Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Sport.

£2 million is being spent on improvements to the Blair Unit at Royal Cornhill Hospital to ensure it meets current healthcare building standards for the provision of low secure forensic mental health care. This includes replacement of windows, refurbishment of bathrooms, ligature reduction, security features and redecoration. This will also include the addition of a multipurpose room to provide therapeutic space and family visiting accommodation.

When complete, the unit will have accommodation which is both safer and conducive for patients and the staff to deliver high quality individual care, treatment and rehabilitation to improve health and reduce risk.

Judith McLenan, Head of Specialist Mental Health and Learning Disability Services, said: “I was delighted to welcome Ms Todd and highlight not only the refurbishment of the Blair Unit, but also the significant work being undertaken across Royal Cornhill Hospital to offer the best care possible.”

Maree Todd said: “I recognise the challenges that the Royal Cornhill Hospital, and the wider NHS face. Providing a high level of care, in a therapeutic physical environment, is paramount to helping some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society recover from illness. I look forward to visiting the service in the future once the proposed development has been completed and I welcome improvements to the service that will help enhance patients’ care, treatment and wellbeing at the Royal Cornhill Hospital.

“It was a pleasure to meet patients who are going through the rehabilitation phase of care and treatment, and I wish them all the best for the future. I also wish to extend my personal thanks to all staff who continue to provide a high level of care to the patients.”