Our purpose built Health and Wellbeing Centre at Hollins Park offers employees of the organisation free use of the facility 24 hours a day, seven days per week, following induction. The centre boasts a range of cardiovascular and strength training equipment, changing and shower facilities. Plus there's our weekly staff only yoga class and weight management programme called Why Weight, restarting in September.
Below you can see images of the facility, read the rules in place and review frequently asked questions. You can then find all of the instructions as to how you can become a member and how to book on to the staff only yoga class.
The following rules have been developed to support the safe and effective running of the centre. All members, service users and accompanying staff, are expected to adhere to these principles. Failure to do so will result in usage being reviewed.
1. The centre is available to employees of the organisation and onsite inpatient service users. Only individuals that have undergone an induction with a qualified gym instructor arranged via the trust, can access the facility.
2. Prior to induction, all individuals must complete a medical questionnaire and disclaimer. Staff forms need to be completed on OPAS and will be reviewed by Occupational Health. Service users will have their medical history reviewed by the ward medical team. All individuals must be deemed medically suitable to use the facility, before accessing.
3. The induction process will include a demonstration of how to use each piece of equipment correctly and safely. The instructor will explain how to use the Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scales and advise accordingly to the individual. The instructor will also highlight the layout of the building and in particular the fire exits and location of first aid equipment, defibrillator, and suction machine.
4. At each visit, all individuals must complete the register and carry an alarm when accessing the facility.
5. You should not exercise alone in the centre. This means you should access the facility with other gym members. This stipulation is in place until further notice. A personal alarm should be signed out from the site's main reception within Hollins Park Hospital. The reception is staffed at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Click here to learn how to use the alarm devises correctly.
6. Drinking directly from the water machine is not permitted for hygiene reasons. Cups are not provided by the facility, so individuals need to bring their own.
7. Individuals should find and leave the centre clean and tidy. This includes putting all equipment back in their storage areas and wiping down machines after use. Windows should be closed, back doors locked, televisions, extractor fans and lights, should all be turned off when leaving.
8. Any communication will be made via email, the noticeboard in the foyer area and the whiteboard within the main gym space.
9. Be considerate and respectful to others using the facility. Reports of inappropriate behaviour will result in investigation and memberships being reviewed. CCTV footage captured within the centre will be reviewed when needed.
10. Individuals must not under any circumstances, share the entry code and should not bring non-members to the centre.
11. Any incidents or accidents should be recorded on the trust’s incident management system. Faulty equipment and any queries regarding the running of the facility in general, should be reported/raised using the centre’s dedicated email address: wellbeinghub@merseycare.nhs.uk.
These rules were last updated: 16 September 2025.
Where is the centre?
The centre is located within the grounds of the Hollins Park site and is signposted. The full address for the site is: Hollins Park, Hollins Lane, Winwick, Warrington WA2 8WA.
How is the centre run?
The centre is overseen by the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service. The building is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The centre is not staffed for all of these hours. There is a dedicated mailbox to report any faults and to raise any queries-wellbeinghub
What safety measures are in place?
To support your safety, you should not exercise alone in the centre. This means you should access the facility with other gym members. This stipulation is in place until further notice.
In addition, a personal alarm should be signed out from the site's main reception within Hollins Park Hospital. The reception is staffed at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Click here to learn how to use the alarm devises correctly.
There is video surveillance covering entrance areas and all fitness studio space. Footage is not live monitored.
Who can use the centre?
The centre is available for employees of the Trust to access at any time, following completion of the induction process.
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.
Will users need to book?
Everyone accessing the building are requested to sign in/out of the facility, providing details of time of entry and leaving. This process should be completed for each visit to the centre, and this includes any escort accompanying a service user.
In addition, an alarm should also be signed out from Hollins Park Hospital reception. You will be asked to provide your contact details in order to ensure the alarm is returned at the end of your workout.
Do classes run in the centre?
A physiotherapist-led yoga class for staff only, takes place weekly. Tuesday afternoons 4.30pm-5.15pm. Details of how to book a place are listed on the Hollins Park Health and Wellbeing Centre YourSpace page.
How do users get into the gym?
The gym is accessed via a door code, which is given following induction. This code must not be shared with anyone else. Service users are not provided with the access code and it is the responsibility of the trained ward staff to facilitate service user access.
How long can I stay?
It is advised to stay a maximum of one hour in order to keep the number of users in the facility at any time manageable. However at times where it is quiet, the decision is at the user’s discretion.
Are changing facilities, showers & lockers available?
There are seperate changing facility for males and females. Both changing rooms have three showers and a toilet within. The centre also has an accessiblity 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 your stay in the facility.
How is the centre maintained?
The centre has a domestic team which keep the facility well maintained, though users are expected to support with this by using the cleaning wipes available on equipment before and after use. Users should return equipment to their usual position following use. Hand sanitising should also be done before entering the gym and before leaving the gym to keep users and others safe. Hand sanitising equipment is located next to both sets of gym doors.
Is there music available?
The centre has a Smart TV as well as a digital television and other audio equipment. 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 ventiliated?
There are windows and doors which can be opened to ensure a fresh air supply to all areas of the facilities. However users are responsible to ensure all windows and doors are closed on leaving the facilities to maintain security. There is no air consitioning system.
What if I still have questions about the facility?
Please email wellbeinghub@merseycare.nhs.uk with your question.
Page last updated:16 September 2025.
Staff access
The centre is available for employees of the Trust to access at any time, following completion of the induction process. This means completing a self referral using Civica Occupational Health (OPAS-G2) and once your form has been reviewed by a member of the service, attending the centre to complete induction with a qualified gym instructor.
The OPAS system can be accessed by clicking the link below
https://merseycare.opasg2.com/selfreferral
You will be asked to enter your email address and will then be sent a unique code, which you will need to input into the system.
OPAS will then ask for an employer code which is O86438 (letter O).
Once you have completed the self referral form, this is automatically sent to Occupational Health and Wellbeing for triaging.
A member of the team will then contact you via telephone or email to arrange a suitable induction time.
Service user access
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.
New staff yoga class
The Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service are starting a new physiotherapist-led stretch and relaxation exercise class for staff. Take some time out to relax, reset, and look after your physical and mental wellbeing! Whether you're a complete beginner or have done yoga before, this class is suitable for all abilities. The class aims to help ease tension and support recovery after a busy day. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat if you have one (a few will be available to borrow).
Space is limited, so you will need to book a place following the instructions.
Booking instructions
The table below lists dates available for you to book on to a class. It will be updated each month. Please make sure you complete the indemnity form and send with your booking request. The instructor will review prior to a class starting and contact you with any queries. You will receive an email to confirm your place. If a class is fully booked, you will also be notified.
You will need to complete a booking request for each class you wish to book on. The indemnity form is only required for your first class, unless there are any changes to your health. It is your responsibility to notify the instructor of any changes to your wellbeing.
| Class date | Class times | Request a place |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 23 September | 4.30PM-5.15PM | Complete the indemnity form and attach to your booking request email |
| Tuesday 30 September | 4.30PM-5.15PM | Complete the indemnity form and attach to your booking request email |
Any queries should be directed to wellbeinghub
Can't make it to our class?
There's a range of pilates and yoga videos available from the NHS website, which are free to access and at any time- Pilates and yoga exercise videos.
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.
Weekly staff only yoga class!
Tuesdays from 4.30pm to 5.15pm.
Booking required. See all the details on this page.
