New unit opens its doors for patients at Lynfield Mount Hospital
The Assessment and Treatment Unit (ATU) has begun providing care from a refurbished unit, on site at Lynfield Mount Hospital.
The service had previously been provided in another section of the hospital, but the newly developed space will deliver a redesigned and improved therapeutic service for those accessing services.
The new unit is a joint venture between Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as part of the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership collaborative work. Along with an existing service in Wakefield, The Horizon Centre, the new hospital area will support the care of people with learning disabilities living in West Yorkshire and Barnsley.
Areas of relaxation
Selina Szczepanski, Clinical Manager for the Assessment and Treatment Unit said: “We are so excited that the new unit is ready to open for our patients. The space offers areas of relaxation, it can meet individual sensory needs and has several activity spaces. We have outdoor spaces including a sensory garden, areas for outdoor activities and spaces that encourage patients to get closer to nature.
"This joint work allows us to build on the different strengths of current service delivery and create positive change for patients and carers in terms of both experience and outcomes.”
Following a consultation process with patients and staff the new unit will be named ‘The Najurally Centre’ in memory of Akhtar Najurally a dedicated Health care support worker from Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust who sadly lost his life due to COVID-19 and had worked for the service and NHS for 22 years.
Akhtar’s family were in attendance at the officially opening. Speaking on behalf of the family, Akhtar’s daughter, Sadja Najurally said: “It’s beyond an honour to immortalise my father in this way. Work was very important to him, he was known for being caring, loving and giving, so it’s wonderful that his legacy will continue. He would have been delighted that the new facility will be making a huge difference to patients and also to staff, enabling them to provide the right care with the right resources.”
