Hollins Park Health and Wellbeing Centre

Building access

How is the centre run?

The centre is overseen by the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service. The centre is open to employees of the organisation and onsite inpatient service users. The Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service deliver wellbeing programmes from the centre and also make the space available at selected times for self‑directed use by Trust employees, as well as supervised physical activity for service users from the onsite inpatient wards. Access is limited to individuals who have completed a mandatory induction with a qualified gym instructor - staff through the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service and service users through ward gym instructors.

Where specifically is the centre?

The centre is located within the grounds of the Hollins Park site and is signposted. You can view a site map of Hollins Park here. The full address for the site is: Hollins Park, Hollins Lane, Winwick, Warrington WA2 8WA.

When is the centre available for use?

The centre operates seven days a week from 6:00am to 8:00pm. A timetable is in place outlining times when the gym is reserved for staff only and when it is available for service users. Access for staff and service users is kept separate.

How do users get into the gym?

Access to the gym is controlled by a fob system. Staff who have completed induction are added to a membership database and need to report to the hospital reception for each visit to sign out a fob. Members are required to confirm their name and date of birth and present their ID badge. Ward staff accompanying service users must also sign out a fob for each visit. Their details are also recorded on a separate database as suitably trained. Service users are not issued with fobs.

How long can I stay?

To help manage capacity, users are advised to limit their session to a maximum of 90 minutes. When the facility is quieter, users may use their discretion. All users must adhere to the designated time slots shown in the timetable above.

Could I be on my own in the building?
Yes. The centre is not staffed, and usage can vary, so there may be times when you are the only person in the building. For this reason, various safety measures are in place, and it’s important that you know how to use the personal alarms. Please also remember to return the equipment promptly at the end of your session, to avoid any unnecessary concerns about your safety.

Health and safety measures

What safety measures are in place?

Anyone wishing to use the centre must complete an induction with a qualified gym instructor, as well as a medical questionnaire and disclaimer, before using any fitness equipment.

To support your safety, when a fob is signed out from reception it will be issued on a keyring with a personal alarm. An alarm system is in place throughout the centre, and activating the personal alarm will alert reception, the resuscitation team, and trained ward staff that you require emergency assistance. Click here to learn how to use the alarm devises correctly. 

There is a first aid kit, defibrillator, red bag and suction machine within the building. Fire extinguishers are also in place, and fire exits and a fire assembly point are clearly marked.

Video surveillance covers entrance areas and all fitness studio space. Footage is not live monitored, though is reviewed as required. For example, in the event of a complaint, issue or dispute we may refer to the CCTV recording to help in any investigation.

Training equipment and facilities

What gym equipment is in the centre?

The centre has a variety of equipment to cater for different exercise styles.

Do classes run in the centre?

No general fitness classes are currently running in the centre. 

Are changing rooms, showers & lockers available?

There are separate changing facility for males and females. Both changing rooms have three showers and a toilet within. The centre also has an accessibility room, including a shower and toilet. Lockers are located close to the front door and require a £1 coin to secure. This is then returned when the locker is emptied. The lockers can only be used during each visit to the facility.

Is there music available?

The centre has a Smart TV as well as a digital television and a speaker system, which enables connection via Bluetooth. Users should ensure the sound isn't excessively loud and they are able to maintain a normal conversation without needing to unduly raise their voice.

Is there a hydration station?

There is a water fountain located in the main gym space, which can only be used to re-fill personal water bottles or containers. There are no cups stored within the centre. Users must not drink directly from the water fountain.

Is the centre well ventilated?

There are windows and doors which can be opened to ensure a fresh air supply to all areas of the building. Users should ensure all windows and doors are closed on leaving the facilities unoccupied, to maintain security. There is no air conditioning system in the building.

How is the centre’s cleanliness maintained?

The centre is supported by a dedicated domestic team who maintain the facility to a high standard. However, all users are expected to contribute by wiping down equipment with the cleaning wipes provided before and after use. Equipment should also be returned to its designated place once finished. Hand sanitising stations are located by both gym entrances. Handwashing and sanitising stations are accessible throughout the facility, including the foyer, main gym space, and changing rooms.   

What if I still have questions about the facility?

Please email healthandwellbeingcentre@merseycare.nhs.uk with your question.

Page last updated: 05 May 2026.

These rules are designed to help maintain the safe and effective running of the centre. All members, service users, and accompanying staff are expected to comply. Failure to do so will result in access being reviewed.

Things you must do

1. You must familiarise yourself with these rules and the frequently asked questions within this page.
2. You must attend your scheduled induction before trying to gain access to the building and understand that access is conditional upon attending a scheduled induction and providing truthful and accurate health information.
3. You must provide your ID badge and confirm your date of birth when asking for an access fob to be issued at the hospital reception. You will not be issued with a fob if you do not follow this process.
4. You must wear clothing and footwear in the gym which is appropriate for physical activity.
5. You must seek advice from the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service if you are unsure as to how to use any gym machine or equipment.
6. You must put your weights and equipment back in their correct place when finished.
7. You must be considerate of others and avoid using gym machines or equipment for long periods of time.
8. You must keep the fob and personal alarm on your person in all areas of the building and return to the reception as soon as you have finished your session. If you do not return your fob within one hour of your expected finish time, you will be contacted.
9. You must ensure your personal property is secure. Members are solely responsible for their own belongings whilst visiting the centre. No responsibility for any loss or damage is accepted.
10. You must use the changing room appropriate to your biological sex or use the single occupancy all gender accessibility facility.
11. You must ensure that you take personal responsibility for your training and safety within the gym and only train within your ability.
12. You must inform the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service of any changes to your health and wellbeing.
13. You must report any faulty equipment or general queries or concerns about the centre by emailing healthandwellbeingcentre@merseycare.nhs.uk.

Things you must not do

1. You must not share your fob with anyone or allow anyone else to use it. You are responsible for the fob when signed out and must return promptly after your session.
2. You must not use any of the gym machines or equipment if you are unsure how to use them.
3. You must not use any of the gym machines or equipment if you are unwell or not capable of exercising unsupervised.
4. You must not wear inappropriate clothing in the main gym space. Clothing such as jeans, boots, flip-flops/sandals, slip on shoes, or high heels, are not permitted. Please do not wear any items of clothing that may cause offence to others.
5. You must not hang onto/hog the gym machines or equipment for long periods of time. We encourage our members to share between sets during busy periods.
6. You must not use the gym whilst under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, tranquilisers or any medication or other substance which may affect your ability to exercise safely. You must not bring illegal substances or alcohol into the building.
7. You must not misuse the weights by dropping them on the floor, unless within areas designed for heavy lifting.
8. You must not take pictures, videos or live stream other members within the centre without their permission. If requested by staff or other members to cease filming for privacy reasons, you must do so.
9. You must not make video calls in the changing rooms.
10. You must not behave in an anti-social, aggressive, abusive, violent or threatening manner whilst on our premises.
11. You must not smoke or use vapes/e-cigarettes at any time in any part of our building.
12. You must not bring bikes or e-scooters into the premises. These should be left outside the building.
13. You must not bring non‑members or non‑employees, including friends, family, or personal trainers, into the centre. You must also not allow access by opening the door to anyone without a valid reason, except in circumstances such as emergency services attendance.
14. You must not bring any pets (other than official aid dogs) into the centre.
15. You must not remove any equipment from the building without the express permission of the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service.

These rules were last updated: 05 May 2026.

Staff Access

Trust employees can use the centre once they have completed an induction.

To arrange this, staff must complete a self‑referral via Civica Occupational Health (OPAS‑G2): https://merseycare.opasg2.com/selfreferral

You will need to enter your email address to receive a unique access code and use the employer code O86438 (letter O). Once submitted, the referral is reviewed by the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service, who will contact you to arrange an induction with a qualified gym instructor.

Service users

Service users of our onsite mental health inpatient services can also use the facility, although this must be under the supervision of a trained member of staff from the respective inpatient service and following an individualised risk assessment.

Can't make it to Hollins park? Through our partnership with Health Service Discounts, you can find information on discounted gym memberships local to you, such as Pure Gym, The Gym Group, and Village gyms. Plus, there’s deals on home exercise devices too.

The centre operates seven days a week from 6:00am to 8:00pm. A timetable is in place outlining times when the gym is reserved for staff only and when it is available for service users. Access for staff and service users is kept separate.