A TRAILBLAZING ward is being officially opened for mental health patients at Runwell Hospital on Friday.

The Harman Ward includes a two-bedroom flat - the first of its kind in Essex - to help prepare patients for life in the community.

The nine-bed ward, which cost £200,000 to fit out, cares for patients with difficult social and mental problems at the hospital in Runwell Chase, Wickford.

Published Wednesday, February 8, 2006