The Highfield Unit Oxford was officially opened on Thursday 13 February by Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex. The facility based on the site of the Warneford Hospital in Headington, Oxford, provides specialist inpatient services for young people aged 11 to 18 with acute mental health needs and opened for patients at the beginning of 2013. The £11m unit has 18 bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities, as well as a state-of-the-art music suite and a dedicated learning zone so young people continue their education.

This well equipped unit now provides the best possible environment for young people with serious mental illness who cannot be managed safely in the community. Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust was delighted that Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex kindly agreed to open the new unit. The Countess received a tour of the unit, met patients and saw first-hand some of the therapeutic and educational activities that young people take part in. She then officially opened the facility.