News

A ward providing specialist care to adults experiencing mental health difficulties has reopened following a multi-million pound transformation.

Holt Ward, which cares for working-aged adults experiencing acute mental illness has welcomed its first patients following a 12-month project to replace out-dated shared sleeping bays with private, ensuite bedrooms.   

The opening marks the completion of the first phase of the ‘Eliminating Dormitories’ project, a national scheme to eradicate dormitory style accommodation from mental health facilities across the country.

In addition to Holt Ward, this will see work to improve Athelon Ward in Worcestershire, and Jenny Lind, Cantilupe and Mortimer Ward in Herefordshire, all of which are run by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, the main provider of mental health services across both counties.

Dr John Devapriam, Medical Director said, “We’re delighted to welcome patients onto the new Holt Ward. The updated facilities have improved the therapeutic environment for our patients, enabling personalised care and supporting their right to privacy and dignity while they are with us.”

Naomi Morgan, Acute Operational Lead for Adult Mental Health Inpatient, Specialist Mental Health & Learning Disability Services said, “This is a really exciting milestone in the Eliminating Dormitories project. The new ward boasts modern communal spaces, alongside the newly created private, ensuite bedrooms. Together with the specialist care of our teams, this will support our patients to reach their recovery goals quicker - in turn reducing their length of stay in hospital.”

Patients relocated into facilities earlier this month, having been cared for by the team on an adjacent ward while the work was undertaken.

Contractors have now commenced the next phase of work, focusing on the redevelopment of nearby Athelon Ward while the work in Herefordshire runs concurrently.