January 30, 2019 11.09 am This story is over 62 months old

Work begins on £2m mental health and dementia ward expansion

The ward will be closed while work is carried out
Work begins on the new ward rooms in North Hykeham. Photo: LPFT

Health bosses marked the beginning of a major £2 million project to improve mental health and dementia facilities for older adults.

A sod cutting ceremony kicked off construction at the Brant Ward, in Witham Court, North Hykeham.

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) has joined forces with Integrated Health Projects (IHP) to design and refurbish the ward.

En-suites will be added to the bedrooms, to improve the services offered to older adults.

The ward cares for around 20 patients in dormitory style accommodation, which is no longer considered fit for purpose in a modern mental health environment. National guidance recommends individual en-suite bedrooms are provided to protect the privacy and dignity of patients.

It will take approximately nine months to complete.

To enable this work, the trust will temporarily close Brant Ward whilst building work is completed.

During the closure, patients will receive treatment at home as part of a pilot scheme.

The pilot will operate seven days a week to provide an alternative to hospital admission and will offer intensive support to patients and their carers in their normal place of residence.

LPFT Chair Paul Devlin said: “It is very exciting, to mark the start of construction works for Brant Ward. The plans for the new developments look great and I can’t wait to see the finished product. I’m sure these new facilities will enhance the patient experience and improve the quality of service we provide.”

IHP Regional Director, Keith Shivers, who is overseeing the design and construction of the project, said, “We are looking forward to getting started on delivering this important refurbishment project. We have been working in partnership with the Trust and healthcare staff to develop a design solution which will create modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.

“Our experienced team will ensure that we deliver the patients of Brant Ward the comfortable, accessible, therapeutic environment they need during their stay.”

A former patient said: “The plans look very promising and I’m sure patients will be looking forward to using the new facilities.”