A mental health unit for teenagers which was closed after a damning inspection earlier this year has reopened following a complete refurbishment.

Ilford Recorder: The Brookside adolescent mental health unit in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, has reopened following an extensive refurbishment.The Brookside adolescent mental health unit in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, has reopened following an extensive refurbishment. (Image: Matt Lund (Nelft))

The Brookside adolescent unit, Barley Lane, Goodmayes, is run by the North East London NHS Foundation Trust (Nelft) and cares for 12-18 year olds with mental illnesses.

In April, immediately following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, Nelft closed the unit to carry out building works to improve patients’ experiences.

When the CQC’s final report was published in May the Brookside unit was deemed “inadequate” in safety, effectiveness, responsiveness and leadership.

Now, after six months. the unit has reopened and is once again accepting referrals, with the number of new patients staggered to ensure the process runs smoothly.

Ilford Recorder: The Brookside adolescent mental health unit in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, has reopened following an extensive refurbishment.The Brookside adolescent mental health unit in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, has reopened following an extensive refurbishment. (Image: Matt Lund (Nelft))

A Nelft spokesman said: “We have been working hard with NHS England and local partners to ensure that we could re-open the unit and we are pleased that we are in a position to accept referrals.

“The unit has been fully refurbished to ensure the patient environment is safe, therapeutic and modern, and the Trust have involved young people and their families in the process to ensure it best meets their needs.”

Alongside the refurbished facility, Nelft staff have developed a new model of care for children and young people across both acute inpatient beds and a young people’s home treatment team.

The home treatment team is a 24/7 service designed to support young people in their own homes.

Healthcare commissioners at both national and local level support this new care model and the trust hopes that it will improve outcomes and benefit young people who need to use mental health services in Redbridge.

Nelft chief executive John Brouder thanked staff and patients for their patience while Brookside was upgraded to provide the best possible care.

He said: “With our phased approach to referrals for Brookside and our new home treatment team, we are able to deliver modern, innovative services for our young people.

“Where inpatient care is required this is in a fit for purpose, therapeutic environment.”