A WARD has been reopened at Royal Oldham Hospital following a redesign and refurbishment.

A welcome day was held to declare the newly-named Aspen ward at Parklands House as officially open.

The ward, formerly called Southside, cares for patients with acute or chronic mental health problems.

Work is currently ongoing at the former Northside ward, which has been rebranded as 'Oak' ward, due to reopen later this year.

Improvements have been made to the ward entrances, bathrooms, lounge, dining and family spaces, as well as access to an outdoor space at Aspen ward.

The air quality, ventilation and security features have also been upgraded, in line with guidelines from the Care Quality Commission.

Vinny Nolan, in-patient service manager, said: "We have redesigned our wards to be fit for purpose, of a high standard, safe and convey a therapeutic healing environment.

"As always, our aim will be to continue providing the highest standard of care and treatment for our patients in modern and comfortable facilities."

Patients and therapy teams at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, which oversees community and mental health services in Oldham, helped rename the adult ward.

Other provision on the unit includes a gym, relaxation room, therapy room and laundry area.

The programme of work was commissioned by Pennine Care in March 2017.

To mark the occasion, trust executives, directors, public governors, Pennine Care staff and representatives from Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group came together for an open day on Friday, February 9.

For more information about the service visit www.penninecare.nhs.uk/oldhamparklandshouse.