Mental health unit Little Woodhouse is taken over by new trust ahead of new £20m centre opening

Little Woodhouse Hall which caters for young people aged 12 to18 years old with issues such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders was previously under the control of Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust (LCH).

As of the beginning of this month, LYPFT took over the leadership, management and day to day running of the inpatient service.

It comes ahead of the opening of a new £20m 22-bed unit to be known as Red Kite View.

Health chiefs in the city say the move is part of a plan to improve mental health care for children and young people, at every level of need, in Leeds and beyond.

Thea Stein, chief executive of Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We say a fond farewell to our inpatient service and wish them good luck for the future.

“The decision to transfer this service is part of our commitment as a region to improve mental health care for children and young people, at every level of need, in Leeds and beyond.

“LCH will continue to play a vital role in improving the health and lives of children and young people across Leeds, both now and when the new unit opens.

“I’d like to thank all those who’ve worked tirelessly to make this transfer possible, as well as the staff at Little Woodhouse Hall who’ve continued to provide first class care to some of our most vulnerable younger people throughout a period of uncertainty and change.”

Dr Sara Munro, chief executive of Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’d like to warmly welcome this new team to our family. Our shared ambition is to ensure we deliver the right care, at the right time, and in the right place for young people who require highly specialist mental health support.

“Our expertise of running a range of inpatient mental health care for adults and older people will mean that the health and lives of these youngsters is in good hands.

“I’d like to thank colleagues at LCH for supporting the safe transfer of this service over to us. We now look forward to opening our new enhanced service in our fabulous Red Kite View building later this year.”