16.05.12
Praise for £2.4m mental health ward upgrade
Two hospital wards for adults with mental health problems have been officially re-opened after a £2.4m refurbishment.
Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust upgraded its K1 and K2 wards in Bolton – which will shortly be renamed ‘Beech Ward’ and ‘Oak Ward’ – to ensure they had “clinically appropriate” facilities and an improved environment for service users.
This included replacing dormitory accommodation with single bedrooms, more bathrooms and showers, modernising the environment on the wards and improving the privacy and dignity for service users staying on the wards.
The official opening ceremony on Monday was attended by more than 50 people, including Mike Chapman, vice-chair of the trust, who paid tribute to all those involved.
One member of the steering group, which helped decide on colour schemes and furniture, said: “Colours are important as they can affect service user’s moods. I felt valued to be involved in the group and at being invited back to the wards to see the transformation.”
Gill Green, director of nursing and operations for the trust, said: “Our service users deserve the best environment we can provide to support their recovery and discharge them from hospital when they are better.
“The refurbishment has enabled us to provide wards with single rooms and ensuite accommodation to ensure service users have high levels of privacy. There are also improved lounge and leisure areas, including women-only areas, and landscaped gardens, which all has a massive influence on how service users feel and will help with their recovery.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]