PROVIDING a dedicated mental health centre in Aberystwyth is a “matter of priority” for Hywel Dda Health Board, a senior clinician has said.

As part of the health board’s plan for developing and changing mental health services across the Hywel Dda area, it was agreed that Aberystwyth should have a Community Mental Health Centre which would provide a small number of “recovery beds” as well as a 24-hour service.

The health board has said it is still working to identify a location for the centre in Aberystwyth, which would be one of three CMHCs across the board area with one in each of the three counties.

The inclusion of beds at the centre is likely to be supported although the beds will not provide care for patients who need dedicated inpatient care.

Following the closure of Bronglais Hospital’s Afallon Ward in 2012, inpatient care for Ceredigion patients has been provided in Carmarthen.

Dr Warren Lloyd, the associate medical director for mental health and learning disabilities services for the health board, said that the provision of the new centre in Aberystwyth was seen as vital in improving mental health services.

He said: “Following the recent Transforming Mental Health Services consultation we are committed to developing the CMHC in Aberystwyth as a matter of priority.

“We are currently exploring options for this development and hope to be in a position to move this forward soon.”

As part of a plan agreed after the consultation, CMHCs are seen as a way of ensuring 24-hour services that can help patients receive quick and appropriate treatment.

The plan says: “CMHCs are buildings with a homelier feel than traditional mental health inpatient units.

“They provide a wide range of support for people in difficulty and their families, including emergency assistance in crisis situations; outpatient services; therapies, treatment and support/ crisis and recovery beds and daytime hospitality.

“‘Hospitality’ is an approach to providing support in a setting which is warm, friendly, generous and kind.

“People using the centres will receive daily reviews and will not be designated as ‘inpatients’ but as individuals needing short-term mental health assistance.

“The proposed CMHCs will support people much closer to home, providing access to a range of social opportunities throughout their rehabilitation; this could include housing, education, training and leisure activities as well as supporting their relationships with other external services and networks. They will always be open and will bring together staff and volunteers from the NHS, the voluntary sector, local authorities and beyond.

“People will be able to come to the proposed centres whether they have a planned appointment or if they simply need to speak to someone for advice or support.

“The proposed crisis and recovery beds will be run flexibly, meaning people could stay for a few hours, overnight or for longer if needed.”