TUESDAY, 13 MAY, 2025

Photograph attached: Dudhope YPU staff, Chief Executive Nicky Connor (front row, third right) and Non-Executive Board Member Colleen Carlton (front row, first right)

10-year anniversary of Dudhope Young People’s Inpatient Unit

NHS Tayside Chief Executive Nicky Connor recently joined staff, patients and families to mark the 10th anniversary of the Dudhope Young People’s Inpatient Unit (YPU).

The YPU, which opened to patients in April 2015, is a purpose-built facility for young people aged 12-18 from across the north of Scotland who are experiencing significant mental illness.

Young people at the unit are supported by a multi-disciplinary team made up of medical, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, dietetics and physiotherapy staff. Each bedroom in the 12-bed inpatient unit has an ensuite and there are several outdoor spaces available for patients. There is also a school to support young people to maintain their education whilst in hospital.

In the past 10 years, approximately 450 young people have received assessment, care and treatment at the regional unit, which sees patients from Tayside, Grampian, Highland, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles NHS Board areas.

To mark the 10-year milestone, staff arranged a birthday tea party in the garden for the young people and their families, and invited guests.

Home baked goodies and refreshments were available, including ice creams provided by local business Casa Di Gelato. A range of activities were also on offer in the garden including crafts from Eco-School, stone painting, a nail bar and games. A member of staff even dressed up as a birthday cake to mark the 10-year anniversary.

The YPU staff have also been fundraising over the past few months as part of the 10th anniversary, including a stall selling craft items made by staff, volunteers and patients, a raffle and a quiz. So far more than £1500 has been raised for the unit, which will be spent on items to benefit patients and their families, such as books, games and craft materials.

Rosie Baillie, service manager at Dudhope YPU, said, “It was wonderful to recognise 10 years of our service with a garden party. All of the staff who work at YPU, some of whom have worked here for the whole 10 years, care so much about the service we provide.

“We work hard every day to give our patients and their families the best experience possible. A period of inpatient care can be very difficult for our young people and their loved ones, and we work with them to support them as they navigate their care and treatment.

“The 10-year anniversary was a lovely opportunity to recognise the work of our teams, alongside our young people and their families. We are very grateful to everyone who came along and to all those who have supported our fundraising efforts.”

Chief Executive Nicky Connor said, “I was delighted to attend the tea party to mark a decade of the Dudhope YPU. I was extremely moved to visit the unit and see first-hand the incredible work of the YPU staff to support young people and their families.

“Over the last 10 years, the team has helped hundreds of families providing tailored and person-centred care in a dedicated purpose-built facility and I know this fantastic team is committed to continuing to support young people and their families into the future.”

The YPU is part of the NHS Scotland North Regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (NoS CAMHS), which is a partnership between Tayside, Grampian, Highland, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles NHS Boards.

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138