Llanfrechfa Grange: Hidden Now Heard
Known as ‘The Grange’ it is one of the last long stay hospitals of its kind in Wales. It originally opened in 1953 as a facility for people with a learning disability.
In the early 1960s it had more than 500 beds, spread across a number of villas.
In 1983, the ‘All Wales Strategy for the Development of Services for Mentally Handicapped People' signaled an end to long stay hospitals and sought the resettlement of residents into the community. At this time 300 people still called The Grange home.
Although 2008 marked the official closure of the hospital, Llanfrechfa Grange still provides accommodation for people with a learning disability. This care is provided in three houses on-site.
There is also a 10-bed Assessment and Treatment Unit which offers rapid response for people with learning disabilities with acute emotional issues and/or mental ill health. This means that Llanfrechfa Grange continues to function as a hospital and a home for people with a learning disability.
Thirty-four years after the ‘All Wales Strategy’ was released the Health Board is working towards the closure of the on-site accommodation in order to provide more appropriate homes in the community.
