MENTAL health services across the South West are set to see a boost as a new hospital plans to open at the end of this month.

Wellesley Hospital, on West Park 26 in Chelston near Wellington, is a medium and low secure unit that will operate with 75 beds.

The service will comprise 60 medium secure beds and 15 low secure beds. The new hospital will allow patients to stay in the area instead of travelling across the country to other hospitals to get the care they need.

A spokesman for Wellesley Hospital said: “The hospital will enable patients to return to the South West from hospitals all over the country supporting people towards independence.

“The beds will be opened in phases according to patient need starting from January 2017.”

The hospital will be opened by Elysium Healthcare in partnership with Devon Partnership NHS Trust. It will also work with Avon and Wiltshire Foundation Trust (FT), Cornwall FT, Dorset FT, 2gether FT, Cygnet and Livewell.

Dr Jason Fee, clinical director for Devon Partnership NHS Trust’s Secure Services, said: “A few months ago we won the bid to lead on the project to change the way we commission and deliver secure mental health services in the South West.

“This was a real vote of confidence in us and our ability. We know that we can make some significant changes to the way we currently do things – which will improve people’s care and help us to make efficiencies. NHS England’s investment in 75 more secure beds is a timely boost to the capacity we have in the region and we will start work with our partners immediately to plan the way ahead.”

The service will be phased in starting in January. The first phase of staff has been introduced this week and the hospital expects its first patients by the end of the month.

Joy Chamberlain, CEO for Elysium Healthcare, said: “I am extremely proud to be leading Elysium Healthcare with the full support of my experienced management team. I have always been passionate about the delivery of care and I have championed the voice of the patient.

“This new venture will enable our hospitals and our team to continue to deliver the outstanding care our customers have grown to expect. We will work with our patients to shape the care of today and the future.”