NINE new mental health and learning disability nurses have begun work at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital, as part of plans to improve patient care.

The recruits, who will share their time across wards at the Alex and Worcestershire Royal Hospital, joined the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust on September 25.

The trust claims to be 'leading the way' in patient care by directly employing the nurses to work in an acute setting, rather than in community NHS organisations.

Sarah Needham, lead nurse for education and workforce, said: "One in four patients have an acute mental health illness and Worcestershire has a higher than average prevalence of patients with learning disabilities, therefore we are thrilled to be leading the way in improving care in this area.

“Although our patients do benefit from the support of external specialist mental health and learning disability nurses, we feel that the additional benefits that we will be able to provide by having permanent members of staff based within our own teams will be significant."

As well as providing holistic support to patients, the new nurses will also share their expertise with members of the multidisciplinary team.

It is hoped the new set-up will also help to improve community services once patients are discharged.

New recruit Luke Evans said: "I am keen to normalise mental health patients to staff, improve their mental health knowledge and enhance the experience of patients.”

The nine new employees have already received a three-week intensive education programme, which will soon be followed by a tailored 12-month support package, including mentoring and rotation opportunities across the trust.