A RECRUITMENT campaign has been launched for new staff at a Bridgwater clinic for young people with mental health needs.

Somerset Partnership’s Wessex House inpatient service for young adults is set to re-open after a new care model was agreed.

The unit was closed temporarily last year when Somerset Partnership, the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS England (South) were concerned about difficulty in recruiting suitably experienced staff, increasing numbers of young people with highly complex needs and concern over the quality of care that could be delivered there at that time.

The Trust is now in a position to recruit staff for the unit and a national recruitment campaign has been launched.

Andy Heron, chief operating officer, said: “The new model, which also includes an innovative enhanced outreach community service, will bring us right up to date in supporting young people with mental health needs in our county.

“During the temporary closure we have also been consulting young people and ward staff on how to improve the environment at Wessex House.

“Work is now underway to substantially refurbish the unit with a new design and layout that is friendly and welcoming for young people.”

The Trust plans to reopen Wessex House in the Autumn of this year.