THE country’s most senior NHS mental health director has praised Cornwall for making sure additional mental health investment is being used to improve the right services for people who need support.

Claire Murdoch, national mental health director for NHS England, visited NHS Kernow.

Claire, a registered mental health nurse for more than 30 years, highlighted what she said were the great foundations that have been laid down by partnership working and the opening of Cove Ward in Redruth, a new 12-bed unit for adults commissioned by Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CFT) to support people with complex needs. 

She also highlighted the announcement that a new mental health unit for children and adolescents will be built in Bodmin, which will help to end out of area placements.

Research shows that one in 10 young people will suffer some form of mental health concern.

Liz Cahill, children and young people’s commissioner for NHS Kernow, said: ‘We want to ensure all people can access services which support their mental health. For children and young people we are working to invest in the right services to ensure more young people access the help they need.’