16.03.12
New Broadmoor hospital plans approved
Plans to redevelop Broadmoor Hospital have been approved by Bracknell Forest Council. A new hospital is proposed for construction within the existing grounds, subject to a ‘section 106’ agreement, meaning payments made to the council to make up for the extra costs imposed on its own budgets by the redevelopment.
The upgraded building would consist of ten new wards, with capacity to accommodate 210 patients, to deliver improved mental health care.
The trust will now develop the detailed design and submit a full business case for approval in early 2013. Enabling projects will now commence to ensure the site is ready to begin construction in autumn 2013, with the new hospital expected to open in late 2016.
Vickie Holcroft, programme director said: “We’re delighted with the council’s decision to give this extremely important project the go-ahead. I hope that the council’s backing goes someway in helping the trust achieve its goals and continuing with the often difficult, but necessary work of rehabilitation of these severely, mentally ill patients. This announcement has done a great deal to boost staff morale and the trust is confident that the Department of Health will approve our outline business case shortly.”
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