NHS Ayrshire & Arran have appointed construction giant Kier to deliver Foxgrove, a mental health facility at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine.

It will be the first medium secure adolescent inpatient service for young people in Scotland and has been procured through The Health Facilities Scotland Framework.

Foxgrove will be an inpatient unit for children aged 12-18 years who have complex difficulties and need a high level of care. This means that young people in the facility will be cared for nearer to home and will receive appropriate care, treatment, therapies, security and on-going education.

The new unit will comprise of 12 en-suite bedrooms, a dining area, recreational areas including a gym and sports barn, external relaxation and horticultural areas, therapy and education space, as well as staff areas including accommodation. Externally, there are numerous areas for patient therapies.

The building is a timber frame with rendered insulation panels and facing brick forming the envelope with a Kalzip roof.

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Phil McDowell, regional director at Kier Construction North & Scotland said: "This is such an important project, and the first of its kind in Scotland. We're proud to be working with NHS Ayrshire & Arran to deliver a key strand of the Scottish Government's Mental Health Strategy (2017-2027).

"During the construction of the building, we'll also be focusing on leaving a lasting legacy in the local community, working with local supply chain partners and providing employment and apprenticeship opportunities."

Caroline Cameron, Director for North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: "This is fantastic news and is a real milestone in this national project which is being taken forward in Ayrshire and will benefit young people around the country.

"Currently, there are no facilities in Scotland to care for this most challenging and vulnerable group of patients. This means that children are referred to secure adolescent mental health facilities in England, or in some cases, the child may be cared for in an adult inpatient setting. This places significant additional pressure and stress on the child, as well as their families.

"Foxgrove will without doubt improve the outcomes for young people who are seriously unwell and pose a risk to themselves. Scottish adolescents with complex mental health needs will be able to access the health care, education and support services they need in an appropriate, modern environment bespoke to their needs and aspirations. It is great news for young people throughout Scotland, as well as their families and carers."

Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart said: "I am pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to provide funding of over £16 million to allow this national facility to be built for young people with complex needs and mental health conditions.

"This will help ensure children and teenagers are being given care in the most appropriate setting for their needs. I look forward to seeing how the build progresses and develops."