New specialist Huntington's Disease service opens

The first patients have now arrived at St Andrew's new 14-bed locked men's ward for Huntington’s Disease (HD) after it opened in Northampton this week.

Allitsen Ward will deliver tailored and personalised care for people with HD, split into two separate areas specifically catering to complex and challenging behavioural and physical needs, and optimising quality of life.

Allitsen Ward Manager, Helen Scott-Evans, said the new ward will meet the unique physical and therapeutic needs of patients with HD, within a safe, comfortable and homely environment.

"Allitsen Ward expands on the success of our existing specialist locked services for patients with HD, and will help us to keep ahead of national growth in demand for this type of specialised service," Ms Scott-Evans said.

"It is a fantastic new ward, which we hope will accelerate our position as a national HD Centre of Excellence."

The opening follows on from the charity's recent introduction of a new rapid response service for people with HD who are in crisis, as well as the launch of a new HD website.