The Building Better Healthcare Awards patient representative, Danny Daniels, had his work cut out choosing his favourite entry from the original 220-plus submissions received for the 2012 competition.
But, unlike last year when the Derby Door infection control innovation picked up the prize, this year Danny’s head was turned not by a technology or medical device, but by a healthcare estates development.
The winner of the coveted prize was Discovery House, an £11.5m mental health rehabilitation facility set in the grounds of St George’s Hospital in Lincoln.
The facility has already demonstrated its worth in valuable contributions towards satisfactory outcomes in enhancing the patient experience
Danny was particularly pleased with the amount of stakeholder engagement carried out during the design process, which has helped to address and overcome the stigma often associated with mental health problems. The onsite café is now being run by a community-based social enterprise, with many members of its staff suffering from mental health conditions themselves.
The attention paid to the interior design and landscaping at the unit also helped to make Danny’s decision.
The wards and communal and public spaces provide an overall feeling of calmness, with natural daylight maximised throughout the building and views out onto the picturesque gardens and courtyards. In addition, the privacy and dignity of the patients was paramount when designing the centre.
Danny said: “This project was particularly impressive due to the decision to include the engagement of service users throughout the design process. The facility has already demonstrated its worth in valuable contributions towards satisfactory outcomes in enhancing the patient experience.”
WINNER: Discovery House, Lincoln (Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Gillingdod, Costain)
