Facelift for 'dingy' ward

27.10.02
The Middy reports that 'A mental health ward, criticised as one of the worst in West Sussex, is earmarked for replacement.
The scheme comes amidst expressed concerns for psychiatric money being siphoned off into 'hip replacements'.
The Villa Ward is lined up for improvement and eventual replacement with £200,000 being spent on it together with Downsview, Larchwood and Colwood following widespread criticism of the Villa in particular.
Care Jean Simmons says 'This surely must be one of the worst treatment wards for the mentally ill in West Sussex. I say this as a carer by listening to comments made by service users.'
Other users say 'The showers have cracked toilets, some are missing altogether. The whole place is dingy and dowdy and there is nothing to do. It's a run down, depressing place.'
Concerns are also expressed about the standard of cleanliness in the block. Last year there was concern about the lack of an occupational therapist but one is now in post but questions continue to be asked about why other mental health buildings on the site were allowed to become so run down.
UNISON is to ask the Strategic Health Authority for Sussex and Surrey what happened to West Sussex' £1.4M allocation.
One senior professional told the Middy ' Money needs to come directly to mental health to prevent anyone else getting their hands on it.' JH