CRISIS-hit mental health services in Lancashire look set to benefit from a double boost after beds were confirmed to be full and more than 90 patients had to be relocated outside of the county for treatment.

The Department of Health has confirmed that nearly £1billion is set to be provided for a variety of mental health services, including placing mental health specialists in hospital A&E wards, providing extra assistance for mothers and babies.

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But the largest single award, of more than £400million, will be used to promote round-the-clock care in the community, instead of hospital settings.

Later this year Calderstones Hospital at Whalley will wind up operations, amid concerns over what will happen to dozens of learning disability patients requiring constant supervision.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: "These investments are hugely important and at £1billion, represent a serious step towards treating mental illness just the same as physical illness.

"It is harrowing as an MP to see people missing out on treatment because they are suffering from a mental health problem instead of a physical condition. I know this is even harder for those caring for someone with a mental health problem, not to mention the patient themselves.

"In particular, the waiting time target for teenagers with eating disorders will be especially welcome for those parents who have been experienced the trauma of seeing their child struggle, without the right support."

Around £290million has been identified for post and antenatal care for mother and babies and just under £250million for psychiatrists to be placed within emergency wards.

Earlier this week the Lancashire Telegraph reported how there were no free mental health beds in Lancashire and the future of the proposed Pennine Lancashire mental health unit in Blackburn, offering 71 new beds, was now under question. Extra beds have been opened up in East Lancashire though, in addition to the 91 spread across the Royal Blackburn and Burnley General sites.

Sue Moore, Lancashire Care's chief operating officer, said: "We have opened up additional capacity, including a clinical support unit at Blackburn, and we have opened up an assessment ward at Blackburn."

She confirmed that the trust had received approaches from 12 other organisations, enquiring over whether there are were any free beds in Lancashire, which they had been forced to turn away.

The delays were blamed on problems with unprecedented demand and problems with discharging existing patients.