Capacity to be increased at secure unit

MORE beds are being added to a psychiatric unit in Glasgow which treats patients who may pose a danger to the public.

The city’s health board is to increase capacity at the Rowanbank Clinic, a ‘medium’ secure facility, which was one of the first of its kind in Scotland.

The clinic, based at Stobbill Hospital, provides accommodation, treatment and support for men and women with severe mental health problems who have been in prison or admitted to hospital f ollowing a criminal offence.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has given approval to proceed to full business case for the expansion of the facility, which will see bed numbers increase by 2019 from 74 to 92.

Unlike, other mental health hospitals, where the average length of stay is six weeks, patients normally spend around three years undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at Rowanbank.

The health board says patients who have undergone treatment and rehabilitation are less likely to become ill and re-offend after they are discharged.

Gary Jenkins, Regional Services Director for NHSGGC, said: “Medium secure units play a key role in increasing public safety, whilst at the same time offering treatment and rehabilitation to patients who may otherwise pose a risk of offending behaviour.

“The investment would bring clear advantages by ensuring that sufficient medium secure capacity is available within the west of Scotland.

“The expansion would help us meet acute care demands and ensure the service is far more flexible and responsive to patient needs overall.”

The plans will now be submitted to the Scottish Government’s Capital Investment Group for consideration.

The State Hospital at Carstairs is the only ‘high secure’ facility in Scotland and treats only male patients,

There are three ‘medium secure facilities in Scotland, including Rowanbank, which opened to admissions in 2007 and a number of low security facilities.