Publish date: 1 October 2021
Design workshops to help with the creation of a new mental health hospital on the Mossley Hill Hospital site, Liverpool, have been gaining great feedback from staff of services that will relocate there within Local Services Division.
Strategic Estates Business Partner Margy James was once again joined by Laura Grayken Interior Designer at Gilling Dod Architects, along with architect Sharlene McFarlane, to lead a workshop at the Broadoak Unit last week.
The Broadoak Unit and Windsor House in Liverpool provide inpatient care and some related community services, but their buildings are out-dated and no longer fit for purpose. Both units have dormitory wards and are located so there is no easy access to outside space or gardens.
Margy James said: “We had a really good response from staff at Broadoak with very positive comments and feedback showing an understanding of the aim of the trust in reducing dormitory-style accommodation for service users.
“Staff commented that due to the fact patients would have their own single en-suite bedrooms at the new hospital this would be beneficial in so many ways and be a calming factor for service users, who would have more of their ‘own’ space too.”
The next workshops will be held at Windsor House, in Windsor Street, Liverpool 8, with a service user engagement session on 6 October, and an interior design workshop for staff on 20 October. The engagement sessions range from a variety of aspects of the internal design and colour schemes.
The project to build the so-called ‘Liverpool 2’ mental health hospital – Clock View Hospital was the first for the Liverpool area opened in 2015 – will have an update on its overall progress at its Steering Group on Tuesday 5 October. This monthly meeting involves leaders from the division and wider trust, including managers from strategic estates team and support services who co-ordinate the programme in collaboration with our construction agency Liverpool Sefton Health Partnership.
The demolition of old Mossley Hill Hospital buildings is going to schedule – the site is currently occupied by demolition experts Connell Brothers Limited, and it is expected to be cleared by the end of this year.
The projected timelines also include the signing of a contract early next year and then start building on site in 2022, with the aim to have the new hospital completed in 2024. Mersey Care can then relocate existing mental health inpatient services currently located at the Broadoak Unit and Windsor House, with some other associated services. Timings are subject to necessary approvals from NHS England and Improvement, other key regulators and partners.
Talking to staff at an engagement session at Broadoak Unit, pictured from left: Maureen Jennions Facilities Management Assistant, Sharlene McFarlane architect, Jade Lemont Student Nurse, Laura Grayken Interior Designer, Trevor Howard Nursing Assistant.
Lined up after discussing the new hospital are some of those staff at the workshop, from left to right: Sharlene McFarlane Architect Gilling Dod, Margy James Strategic Estates Business Partner, Trevor Howard Nursing Assistant Albert Ward, Jade Lamont student nurse, Laura Grayken Interior Designer Gilling Dod. (Note the sessions are being held safely following IPC and Covid-safety guidance).