A £400m nationwide scheme aimed at ridding mental health facilities of dormitory-style patient accommodation continues to make progress, with the opening of Holt Ward in Worcestershire.
The first new ward at The Elgar Unit has been opened by Hereford and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and signifies the completion of the first phase of an £11m scheme.
Dr John Devapriam, medical director at the trust, said: “We’re delighted to formally open the new Holt Ward today.
“The updated facilities will improve the therapeutic environment for our patients, enabling personalised care and supporting their right to privacy and dignity while they are with us.”
The ward cares for adults with acute mental illness and now includes private en-suite bedrooms.
Naomi Morgan, acute operational lead for adult mental health inpatient and specialist mental health and learning disability services, said: “I have visited several times during building work and to see it finished gives me an overwhelming sense of pride.
“The creation of private en-suite bedrooms will offer much-improved privacy for our patients which, in turn, will support them to reach their recovery goals quicker, helping to reduce their length of stay in hospital.”
The completion of Holt Ward marks the first phase of an £11m improvement scheme at The Elgar Unit
The team will move onto the second phase of works following a decant period, focusing on Athelon Ward.
Both wards form part of the existing Elgar Unit and will provide a total of 30 new bedrooms.
“Our teams are committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities for healthcare and the NHS across the region,” said Mark Hudgeon, divisional director at Speller Metcalfe, which carried out the works on the building.
“We are very proud to be making such an important contribution to the quality of care those suffering with mental ill health receive in Worcester.”
The second phase of the project is set to complete later next year and is designed to meet the BREEAM 'Very Good' sustainability standard.
Once completed, the scheme will create 30 bedrooms
