PLANS have been put forward to create a mental health unit by extending a Gateshead hospital.
If the proposals are given the go-ahead the existing Cragside Unit, which is part of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, would be refurbished and extended to create ten beds for older people.
The ward would also feature a large “dayspace” with a dining and seating area and space for guests.
The new facility is intended to be a relocation of the existing Sunniside Mental Health Unit which is currently located in a facility known as the the Tranwell Unit.
A design and access statement submitted to the council said it was part of “the overall strategy” to vacate the Tranwell Unit and said the new unit would create a better environment for its patients.
It said: “The proposed extension of Cragside unit to include the relocation of Sunniside unit to create a better quality environment to help the mental wellbeing of service users and by extension their communities.”
Gateshead Council expects to make a decision on the application by late December.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here