A FACILITY for both neurology and psychiatry for women in Middlesbrough opens its doors this month – one of only a few of its kind in the UK and bringing 60 jobs to the region.

Newham House, operated by Cygnet Health Care, will provide treatment and rehabilitation for women aged 18 and over with conditions such as acquired brain injuries (ABI) and those diagnosed with progressive neurological diseases like Huntington’s Disease.

While some people may use the facility to recover, there will also be longer term placements to support and help manage symptoms.

Lord Patel of Bradford OBE, recently appointed by Cygnet as senior independent board director, opened facility, which has 12 hospital beds and eight transitional care beds, at a ribbon cutting ceremony.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to open this fantastic new facility that will provide much needed support for women locally and further afield. Thirty years ago I established one of the first rehabilitation centres for women and I have seen how beneficial and essential these dedicated types of service are.

"This has clearly been designed with love and care in mind - a home from home for those who stay here - where they will be treated and cared for by talented professionals with wellness always at the heart of all they do.”

Newham House will also provide up to 60 jobs locally as part of a resource-intensive neuropsychiatry interdisciplinary team, aimed at creating a therapeutic rich environment.

David Williams, manager of Cygnet Newham House said: “While there is increasing provision nationally for neuropsychiatric care, against a background of the growing need for such facilities, surprisingly little is dedicated to female care.

“In fact, whilst male-only units can be found across the country, the provision for dedicated women’s facilities is relatively low. Opening here will significantly fill the growing need for dedicated female neuropsychiatric care facilities.

“We want to build on the neuropsychiatric services we have already at Cygnet by making sure we now have female services in place, and Newham House will enable us to provide that care.”

Patients will receive tailored services with a focus on holistic care.