A CARE centre in Glusburn has appointed a specialist mental health doctor to help its clients with complex needs.

Malsis Hall has taken on Dr Adnan Akram as its second psychiatrist as part of its rapid expansion after opening last year.

Malsis Hall, part of Enhanced Community Healthcare Options Group (ECHO), was set up in a former boarding school and provides recovery and rehabilitation for people with mental health conditions and associated complex needs.

The facility also includes three sports pitches, a sports pavilion and community meeting rooms for members of the public to use.

Dr Adnan has joined a multi-disciplinary team that provides a holistic approach to care, with the person’s care needs reassessed regularly, to ensure that personalised treatment goals are met, and the experience of community living is maximised.

Dr Adnan has eight years’ experience of working in the NHS, in various sub-specialities of psychiatry, including general adult and forensic rehabilitation. He has worked in community and inpatient settings within mental health trusts across the UK and brings significant expertise in working with multi-disciplinary teams.

Dr Adnan is a Section 12 approved doctor and will provide psychiatric cover to the facility, including care programme approach meetings, hospital managers’ hearings and mental health review tribunals.

With a background of working in forensics, Dr Adnan has significant expertise in risk assessment and management. He is currently working under supervision towards Royal College of Psychiatrists membership and approved clinician status.

Dr Adnan said: “I am delighted to join the team at this wonderful new service. Malsis Hall provides a fabulous new facility, supporting those with mental health conditions on their road to recovery.

“It will be a privilege to join the clinical team, which I’m sure will continue to grow as the service expands.”

Andrew Shelton-Murray, director of ECHO, said: “We’re delighted to announce the arrival of Dr Adnan as our second psychiatrist to Malsis Hall.

"He has a wealth of experience which will support our mission of providing the very best treatment and care to our growing cohort of patients and residents.”

Malsis Hall is a specialist service holistically supporting adults with mental health conditions on their journey to recovery and independence.

A spokesman says: "It strives to provide care and support to enable the person to be as independent as they possibly can be, helping them to have a clear care pathway back into the community.

"It provides opportunities to develop and maintain skills and coping strategies needed for everyday life, priding itself on early intervention.

"The pathway at Malsis Hall ensures the person builds and develops confidence enabling them to successfully progress down the various available living options onsite to living in the community.

Malsis Hall places emphasis on maximising quality of life and reducing admissions into acute hospital settings.

"As a community project, it also contains three sports pitches, a sports pavilion and meeting rooms available to members of the public."