Psychiatric unit to reopen after staffing problems

The 10-bed Hartsholme Centre offers intensive psychiatric care for male patients

A psychiatric intensive care unit is to reopen after 19 months.

The Hartsholme Centre, in Lincoln, closed temporarily in October 2022, when staff shortages were blamed.

Patients will return to the centre, which cares for male patients, from 3 June.

Chris Higgins, director of operations for the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said "significant work" had been done to recruit and retain staff.

“We are really pleased to now be in a position to safely and sustainably reopen the ward," he added.

Plans to reopen the centre earlier this year were delayed by high levels of legionella bacteria.

“We have been very aware of the impact this closure has had on our patients, their families and our staff who have been redeployed, and want to thank everybody for their understanding during this difficult time,” Mr Higgins said.

Follow BBC Lincolnshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]