Youth mental health support base in Tycoch to be sold

Set in 1.3 acres of land, Trehafod was built in the 1920s and was used as accommodation for senior staff at the adjacent Cefn Coed Hospital, Tycoch.

It has latterly been the base for child and adolescent mental health support services (CAMHS) in Swansea Bay.

Sian Harrop-Griffiths, director of strategy at Swansea Bay University Health Board, told colleagues at a meeting on March 25 that Trehafod was “absolutely not fit for purpose”.

The services provided by CAMHS have either been relocated or will be relocated shortly, she said.

One of the new locations is a property on The Kingsway, in the city centre.

Ms Harrop-Griffiths said there had been full engagement on the proposal with CAMHS staff and also the young people they help.

Board members approved a recommendation to declare Trehafod surplus to requirements and available for disposal on the open market.

Some services are gradually being moved out of Cefn Coed Hospital – and last September the health board approved a strategic outline business case for a new mental health assessment and treat centre covering Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

It’s early days, but possible locations include Morriston Hospital, Singleton Hospital, Neath Port Talbot Hospital, and the Jersey Marine area.

The health board recently sold another building at the Cefn Coed Hospital site, Fairfield, which had a guide price of £200,000.

There were six offers for it, and the health board said it took into account wider societal benefits in line with the Wellbeing and Future Generations Act when it selected a bid from Kids Cancer Charity.

Independent health board member Maggie Berry said she felt the approach for the sale of Fairfield was “absolutely wonderful”.