PEOPLE with mental health problems in Huddersfield are to benefit from a new pilot scheme to improve services.
The South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust, which runs St Luke's Hospital in Crosland Moor, has been selected as one of only four trusts in the country to take part in a new project.
The Mental Health Improvement Partnership aims to improve every patient's experience of mental health and learning disability.
Being part of the trial will attract more money and will bring expert support tailored to meet the needs of the district.
The outcome will influence the development of a national strategy for 2005 and 2006, when it is intended to develop similar Mental Health Improvement Partnerships across the country.
Judith Young, Trust chief executive, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be chosen as a pilot site which will lead to benefits for our service users.
"As a pilot site we will work alongside and receive support from partners to redesign the way services are delivered at all stages of care.
"The outcome will be to develop more user-centred services leading to mental health organisations. These are increasingly driven by the choices and needs of the people who use services, their family and carers."
The Trust serves people with mental health and learning disabilities in Wakefield, Calderdale and Kirklees.
