Double shortlist for LPFT in Design in Mental Health Awards 2026

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) is pleased to announce that the project team behind the creation of its new adult inpatient ward at Norton Lea in Boston has been shortlisted for two categories in the Design in Mental Health Awards 2026.

The announcement follows the official opening of Havenside Ward two months ago and recognises the significant achievements delivered through partnership working, innovation and a strong focus on patient experience.

The Design in Mental Health Awards are regarded nationally as the most prestigious awards within the mental healthcare design and build community, celebrating excellence in architecture, interiors, products and co-production that positively impact patients, staff and families.

Shortlisted categories

Clinical Team of the Year

Over the past five years, the project team has led LPFT’s Eradication of Dormitories Programme, beginning with Castle and Ellis Wards at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre in Lincoln and concluding with Havenside Ward at Norton Lea in Boston.

Bringing together more than 40 years of combined NHS experience, the team has been passionate about enhancing environments to support recovery and wellbeing. Key innovations across the programme include the introduction of a silent alarm system, expanded use of acoustic panelling to create calmer, quieter spaces, and the opening of the Norton Tea Wellness Café, developed in collaboration with the Building Together Focus Group (BTFG). Each element has been designed to improve patient experience and support therapeutic recovery.

Alan Pattison, Clinical Operational Estates Lead, said:

“Being shortlisted in two categories is a fantastic achievement and a real recognition of the dedication shown by everyone involved over the past five years. This programme has always been about creating safer, more therapeutic environments that genuinely support recovery, and I’m incredibly proud of the way our teams and partners have worked together to make that vision a reality.”

Art Installation of the Year

A collaborative partnership between University of Lincoln and LPFT has also been shortlisted in the Art Installation of the Year category.

Senior academics from University of Lincoln School of Creative Arts (LSCA), developed a trio of artworks titled ‘Resilience’ that have been installed within Havenside Ward. The artworks were created following a year-long programme of creative workshops held ahead of the ward opening, and are now located in the Wellness Café, Courtyard, and De‑escalation and Seclusion Suite.

The pieces were developed as part of the ongoing 'Art of Wellbeing Project', a multi-year project that has combined arts, co-creation methods and community lived experience to enhance wellbeing and support recovery. Led by Rachel Baynton and Dr. Steve Fossey, the project has brought together service users, clinical staff, Occupational Therapy teams, experts-by-experience from Ward 12 at the Department of Psychiatry, Boston Pilgrim Hospital, and students from Boston College and the University of Lincoln, ensuring the artworks truly reflected the voices and experiences of those who use and support LPFT's services.

Rachel Baynton, Associate Professor in Performance, Arts & Cultural Production at LSCA, said:

"We're so pleased that our ongoing work with LPFT has been recognised for a second time by Design in Mental Health following a nomination for our collaboration at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre in 2024. Engaging in arts and creativity is proven to have a lasting positive impact on mental health and has been shown in multiple studies to reduce anxiety and increase confidence. LPFT have recognised this and invited us into their innovative ward design right from the very start. We've been able to combine and share our knowledge and expertise across arts and health, to ensure a beneficial process for our participants, as well as beautiful finished pieces for Havenside. Working with LPFT in Boston, in Lincoln, and with local communities, students and young people from the region has been a pleasure and a privilege; Steve and I are grateful to everyone who has contributed to the project."

Associate Professor in Fine Art, Dr Steve Fossey, commented:

“The three artworks are rooted in shared conversations about resilience, care, belonging, and senses of safety. Inspired by twelve resilient flowers native to the Boston area, the images were developed as digital paintings - translating dialogue, drawing and reflection into layered visual artworks that connect the ward to the local landscape and its people.”

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, taking place during the Design in Mental Health Network Conference in Coventry on Tuesday 2 June.

LPFT wishes everyone involved congratulations on this outstanding achievement and the very best of luck for the final.