Middlesbrough's West Lane Hospital reopens under new name

West Lane Hospital which closed in 2019 following the death of two teenagers, has reopened today in Middlesbrough under a new name.

The in-patient mental health unit will be known as Lotus Ward.

It is a 10-bed inpatient unit at Acklam Road Hospital providing mental health care for young people aged 13-18 years.

It closed following a report in 2019 following a report which branded it "inadequate".

The move has been welcomed by David Moore, the father of Emily Moore - a teenager who died after being treated at the unit.

The ward is being run by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust who have take in on from Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NH Foundation Trust.

John Lawlor, chief executive of the trust, said:

The trust added that "extensive work" had been done to engage with clients and their families and carers to design the new service.

Gary O'Hare, executive director of nursing and chief operating officer, said:

He added:

The ward has been refurbished with private outdoor spaces, a gymnasium, dedicated activity rooms and classrooms.