A NEW unit has opened at Bootham Park Hospital, in York, as part of a redevelopment of mental health services in the city.

The new Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), opened by Selby and York Primary Care Trust, is the first part of a two-phase grant funded development.

The £415,000 project will also see one of the fully integrated Community Mental Health Teams - an integrated service which provides support to service users in the community - locate to dedicated facilities at Bootham Park Hospital.

The new unit has been extensively renovated and offers intensive nursing, medical and other multi-disciplinary input for people most in need of psychiatry help and support.

In addition to en-suite accommodation the service also has space for a range of therapeutic activities.

Patients using the new facility will receive a comprehensive assessment of their needs as well as support to their carers.

Dr. Sue Ross, chief executive of the trust, said: "We are delighted to be opening this improved facility, it shows our commitment to providing high-quality mental health care in the Selby and York area."

Director of Mental Health and Social Inclusion for the PCT, Garry Millard said: "This new unit provides an excellent setting in which to deliver this type of care."

Updated: 14:33 Tuesday, June 03, 2003