Surrey welcomes the opening of a dedicated NHS mental health inpatient unit tailored for young individuals, with Emerald Place clinic, situated in Charlwood, now operational. Designed to cater to teenagers aged 13 to 18, this clinic marks a significant milestone as the first NHS-funded facility of its kind in the county in over ten years.
Vanessa Fowler, Deputy Director of Specialised Mental Health at NHS England’s south east division, emphasized the pivotal role played by the input of young people and their families in shaping the clinic’s services. Their insights have ensured that the offerings are not only accessible but also meaningful to the diverse range of individuals it aims to assist.
With an investment of £7.1 million over three years from NHS England South East Region, the clinic boasts individual en-suite bedrooms accommodating up to 12 patients, along with various lounge areas, recreational spaces, therapy rooms, and an educational facility. Its scope encompasses comprehensive care for young people with primary diagnoses of mental illness, addressing a spectrum of disorders and complex needs, including mood disorders and acute psychosis.
Exclusively available for NHS-funded care, Emerald Place clinic is aligned with a national initiative to provide specialized services tailored to local community requirements. The collaboration between NHS and Elysium Healthcare leverages synergistic expertise and best practices to ensure the delivery of high-quality services for young individuals.
Ms. Fowler expressed optimism about the clinic’s impact, highlighting its role in offering timely access to specialized, locally-based inpatient care that prioritizes nurturing, safety, and therapeutic interventions for Surrey’s young population.
