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Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s new £5.2 million ($7.87 million) Watermead mental health ward has opened its doors to the patients at the Bradgate Unit, Leicester.

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Part of the Trust’s ambition to create a Centre of Excellence by 2015, the new mental ward will bring major improvements to the hospital environment as well as improved patient care.

The mental word has been named after Watermead, which is a wildlife haven just north of Leicester. Watermead will cater to up to 20 patients with conditions such as Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia. Each service users will have their own bedroom with en suite shower and toilet.

Apart from that the new ward will also include communal and lounge areas, a dining room, a laundry room, a kitchen, and a family visiting room.

Bosworth Ward, currently located at the Bradgate Unit, will move to the new, purpose built ward. The new ward has been developed to provide improved therapeutic areas, single bedrooms, and more en-suite toilet facilities.

The £23 million ($34.81 million) Centre of Excellence development has been underway since 2009, and has created five new wards and a new Involvement Centre at the Bradgate site.

The Watermead mental health ward was officially opened on 21 March 2013.