A mental health unit at a Surrey hospital has closed after more than 150 years.
According to Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust, Victoria Ward, at the Grade II listed Farnham Road Hospital in Guildford, opened in 1866, making it the oldest ward in the county.
In recent years, Victoria Ward has supported adults over 65 with mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder. These services have been moved to the newly renovated Juniper Ward.
Anne Sayed, director of Farnham Road Hospital, said: “Juniper Ward gives our older adults the environment they deserve: modern, spacious and designed around their safety and comfort.”
Sayed also emphasized that the Juniper district gave colleagues “the right facilities and layout to provide person-centered care every day.”
“The changes will support recovery and wellbeing whilst bringing the facilities in line with modern mental health expectations,” a spokesperson for the trust said.
It is pertinent to mention that mental health refers to the emotional, psychological and social well-being of a person, and influences how we think, feel, manage stress and interact with others.
It affects daily functioning, decision-making, relationships and overall quality of life. Common disorders include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and eating disorders.
These conditions, which are often considered taboo, are not signs of weakness, but medically recognized diseases shaped by biological, psychological and social factors, and can be managed effectively with timely support and treatment.
