Vital ward closes

Increase in violence and aggression sparks closure of mental health ward

- STEWART MCCONNELL

An Irvine mental health ward which has seen an increase in incidences of violence and aggression has been forced to close.

North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (NAHSCP) are aware of recent media coverage regarding the decision to close Ward 7A at Woodland View Hospital, and want to provide some further information and clarity.

There are now serious concerns for the safety of clinical staff, as well as patients.

Staff retention has been an ongoing issue in recent times, and recruitment of new learning disability nursing staff has been extremely challenging-a problem being faced by health and social care services nationally.

Staff in Ward 7A are highly skilled and trained learning disability specialists and deliver high-quality care. There are significant gaps in the core workforce, which impacts on continuity of care.

Ward 7A is an acute inpatient assessment and treatment ward for patients with learning disabilities and complex mental health needs.

This is one discreet ward within Woodland View, and the closure does not impact any others.