A PUBLIC drop-in will be held on Wednesday evening to give residents a chance to have their say over proposed changes to a mental health hospital.

The event, held at Ferndene Hospital in Prudhoe, will concern a planned reduction in the number of beds and extensions to the rear of the building.

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, which operates the hospital, are proposing to operate new "medium secure" facilities at the site.

The £27m centre opened in 2011, and currently provides inpatient assessment and treatment for young people with complex health, behavioural and emotional needs, including those with a learning disability.

James Duncan, the trust's deputy chief executive, said the move would improve patient pathways and provide the best possible quality of care.

Mr Duncan said: “The purpose of tonight’s drop-in session is to provide information to local residents and interested parties about our proposed Planning Application at the Children and Young People’s Inpatient Service at Ferndene.

"The plans developed to date involve a small reduction in the number of beds and some minor extensions to the rear of the building to create more therapeutic space.

"We are proposing to operate our medium secure facilities alongside the existing low secure facilities for children and young people at Ferndene, to improve patient pathways and provide the best possible quality of care.

"The trust has extensive experience of providing these services for young vulnerable people within the heart of our local communities and is keen to engage with local residents about these proposals.”