THE new £88m mental health unit at University Hospital Llandough has been named “Hafan y Coed” (Haven of Trees) in an effort to destigmatise mental health issues.

The purpose built 135-bed inpatient facility will bring together existing adult and specialist services provided at Whitchurch Hospital and the Llanfair Unit under one roof.

Hafan y Coed will include a 15-bed crisis assessment ward, a 10-bed psychiactric intensive care ward, a 12-bed addiction ward and day unit, a 12-bed neuropsychiatry service, a 25-bed low secure male ward and a 10-bed supportive recovery service.

The unit will also incorporate a number of day services and clinics, Mental Health Act Tribunal Suite, Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team base.

Construction is expected to be completed in January 2016

In a report submitted to the board Clinical project lead Simone Jocelyn said: “The unit is expected to meet the aspirations and hopes of service users and they have expressed a wish that the building needs to exhibit a change in perspective of mental health issues and services.

“The space needs to express openness, safety, caring and recovery.

“Many peoples’ lives are enhanced by nature and this theme should be able to meet that need and provide a talking point within the unit.

“The unit utilised gardens, outside areas and art to offer warmth and inspiration to the user’s experience. Through nature we can express and fulfil ourselves, and engage with other people in ways that other forms of communication do not offer.

“Leaves and trees are positive imagery. Tree names are being utilised to name the wards, promoting associations with the natural environment and the seasons and provide a connection with natural processes and a stress free environment.

“Nature, as a theme for the unit and ward names, would assist a comprehensive approach to the building.”

Executive Director of Nursing Ruth Walker said: “This is a huge step forward. This is very important in terms of destigmatising mental health.”