A SECURE psychiatric hospital has opened to patients. Cygnet Hospital in Stevenage opened on Monday with a ceremony and open day. Yesterday (Wednesday) the first patients arrived at the secure building in Graveley Road. The hospital, which will open in ph

A SECURE psychiatric hospital has opened to patients.

Cygnet Hospital in Stevenage opened on Monday with a ceremony and open day. Yesterday (Wednesday) the first patients arrived at the secure building in Graveley Road.

The hospital, which will open in phases, will eventually house 90 mental health patients suffering from conditions such as depression and schizophrenia. It will provide a range of low and medium-secure services to NHS Trusts all over the country.

David Beattie, general manager, said the facilities will cater for 18-year-olds and above but in time they hope to help young people between the age of 12 and 17.

The hospital consists of six wards named after influential nurses. Families of the named nurses attended the opening.

Facilities include classrooms, a gym, quiet rooms, and treatment and therapy rooms. Mark Simon, deputy clinical manager, said the hospital had received some concerns from local residents but they had also had letters of support.

He said the building was designed to give suitable security to protect the public. He said any residents concerned about the new hospital are welcome to get in touch and organise a visit to alleviate any fears they may have.

He said: "We are able to offer services which the NHS is not able to provide. We hope to become a centre of excellence."

There are plans for the lower risk patients to get involved in the community by using an allotment close to the hospital. Hospital staff said patients will only be allowed out after full risk assessments are carried out.