THE NEW £250 million high-security Broadmoor Hospital has officially opened its new site today.

Patients and staff have moved into the new facility in Crowthorne, near to its former 150-year-old Victorian home.

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Located in the existing grounds, the site has been built to provide a safe, therapeutic environment for care, treatment and rehabilitation of patients who need psychiatric care in a high-security setting.

Carolyn Regan, chief executive of West London NHS Trust, said: “The new hospital epitomises the ethos of hope and recovery at Broadmoor.

“The new hospital enables us to provide this care in an environment fit for the 21st Century over the coming years.”

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The new Broadmoor Hospital which faced delays was due to open in 2017.

The facility will be able to provide multi-disciplinary treatment for up to 210 men, over the age of 18, with mental illnesses and personality disorders.

It includes three new ward buildings, ward gardens, an entrance building and a central building where patients can take part in a range of therapies, vocational, educational and physical activities and have access to a multi-faith sanctuary.

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Patients are admitted into the hospital from prison, court or a medium secure hospital.

Some have not committed an offence but need specialised care in a high secure setting to aid their recovery.

All patients at Broadmoor are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.