EALING Crisis Centre, designed to provide psychological therapies and support, was this week opened by West London NHS Trust.

Located on the St. Bernard’s site, next to Ealing Hospital, the innovative centre aims to deliver timely and tailored care to people facing mental health issues.

ECC is an alternative to waiting for hours in accident and emergency.

Doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support workers will operate in a more therapeutic environment.

It has recliner chairs instead of beds. Initially, capacity is limited to five patients at a time.

The service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and aims for a length of stay of between two and 12 hours.