A HOSPITAL unit that was closed for refurbishment has been officially reopened this week.

Thurrock Community Hospital’s Mayfield Unit, which has been refurbished to meet the needs of adults and those with dementia, was officially declared open by Thurrock Councillor Sue Little, of Orsett Ward.

The new unit which is at the community hospital in Long Lane, Grays, has 24 intermediate reablement beds.

The aim of the newly-refurbished unit is to reduce the length of stay in an acute hospital and support people to return home or to a local place of care.

Councillor responsible for Children’s and Adults social care, Sue Little, said: “I am pleased to have been invited to attend the opening of the new facility.

"We’ve recently learnt that every care home in Thurrock is rated good or better and I’m pleased to see more great care being provided at Basildon Hospital for the benefit of Thurrock residents.”

The service aims to reduce the impact of long-term chronic conditions and minor new conditions.

Care is provided by North East London Foundation Trust’s multidisciplinary team, who are trained to manage both mental and physical health.

NELFT provides an extensive range of community health services for people living in the south west Essex areas, including Thurrock.

The service is commissioned by NHS Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group.

John Brouder, Chief Executive of NELFT, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to deliver the best care to people in Thurrock from the new Mayfield Community Hospital.

“The premises are truly top class combining clinical and environmental best practice to ensure compliance with the CQC requirements.

“Our staff have embraced the changes and are excited to be working in such close collaboration with Essex Partnership University Trust to provide integrated physical and mental health rehabilitation services to the people of Thurrock.”

Mandy Ansell, Accountable Officer at NHS Thurrock CCG, said: “We are delighted to celebrate this new facility.

"Mayfield Unit first began to offer care on 11 April and has already enabled many Thurrock patients to benefit from care closer to home, relieving pressure on beds at acute hospitals. 

“This is a really first class unit and forms one strand of our bid to improve health and care experience for people in Thurrock under our local offer - For Thurrock in Thurrock.

"Thanks to the hard work and willingness to work together, with provider NELFT, Thurrock Council, Essex Partnership University Trust* and the CCG, patients and their families will really benefit from this modern unit.”