Plans for a ‘world-class’ inpatient mental health unit and multi-storey car park at Glan Clwyd Hospital have gone on display to the public.

People are being invited to share their views on Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s plans for the new 63-bed unit and multi-storey car park before a full planning application is submitted to Denbighshire County Council later this month.

The new unit, which could cost up to £84.5m, will replace the hospital’s Ablett Unit and the older people’s mental health inpatient facility at Bryn Hesketh in Colwyn Bay.

The plans have been developed following comprehensive engagement with patients, carers, staff, partner organisations, and the wider public.

Situated at the rear of the hospital site, it will deliver more beds and significantly-improved facilities for both staff and patients.

The plans include a 14-bed older person’s mental health ward and a 13-bed dementia care assessment unit with en-suite facilities and provision for families and carers to stay overnight.

There will also be two purpose-built 16-bed adult wards complete with de-stimulation areas, which will provide a safe nursing environment for high-acuity patients, preventing the need for transfer to other mental health units.

And an assessment suite will enable suitable patients to be moved from the emergency department.

Our aspiration is to deliver a world-class facility that enables our hard-working staff to deliver the highest standards of care that our patients deserve in a modern, fit-for-purpose environment

In addition, a first-floor deck will be built over car park three at the front of the hospital, complete with electric vehicle charging points, in order to re-provide parking spaces lost when the new mental health unit is built.

Built to the highest energy efficiency standards, the development will help support the Welsh Government’s response to the climate emergency, with the board exploring how to make greater use of cycle to work and car share options, public and community transport schemes, agile and home working, and increased use of video and online technology for remote consultations.

Teresa Owen, executive director responsible for the health board’s mental health and learning disabilities division, said: “Our aspiration is to deliver a world-class facility that enables our hard-working staff to deliver the highest standards of care that our patients deserve in a modern, fit-for-purpose environment.”

In October 2022, the Welsh Government approved the outline business case for the development.

And, subject to further approval from Denbighshire County Council’s planning committee, the health board, and the Welsh Government, work on site should start next summer, with the building accepting its first patients in the summer of 2026.