Site clearance works mark first step to deliver new future for adult mental health care in Boston
Published on: 5th July 2021
An important step in the transformation of adult acute inpatient mental health care in Lincolnshire has been marked by the start of site clearance works at Norton Lea in Boston.
The five acre site, owned by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), will become a new 19 bed inpatient unit for men and women, and will replace the existing Ward 12 at Pilgrim Hospital.
The project is part of a £37m programme to end dormitory accommodation across all Lincolnshire inpatient mental health units and includes the construction of two new wards at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre at Lincoln County Hospital, where work is already underway.
The design of the new site means that patients will be provided with their own modern, ensuite bedrooms and ground floor access to a courtyard and nature garden.
Evidence shows that recovery times for patients who have access to a calm, outdoor area and their own personal space are much improved.
Sarah Connery, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said:
“Following our successful bid to Government last year, we are delighted to move forwards with our £37m programme to transform inpatient services in Lincolnshire by removing all dormitory style accommodation at our acute sites.
“The site clearance programme marks the start of realising our ambition to deliver a new standard of mental health care.
“We are looking forward to sharing more details about our proposals for the Norton Lea site later this year as part of our public engagement to secure the input of local people to refine our final proposals prior to the submission of the planning application.
“The Trust is grateful to the local community for their positive feedback and we look forward to working together on our proposals.”
As part of the design process for the new inpatient unit, former patients are providing invaluable input and ideas as part of the Trust’s innovative ‘Building Together’ focus group sessions.
Gary, a former patient, has attended a number of the sessions, using his own personal insight and experience to refine the unit’s design and layout.
“I’ve got a great deal out of these sessions and, in a way, they have helped and supported my own ongoing recovery.
“By being able to give something back to help other patients, I really do believe the outcome will be a much better environment for everyone, helping people to recover more quickly and get back to lead the life they want.”
If you have experience of mental health inpatient wards or you are supporting someone as a carer we would like to hear from you. To join the Trust’s Building Together focus group or to find out about other opportunities to be involved please email lpft.involvement@nhs.net or call the Engagement Team on 01529 222245.
The Norton Lea site was previously used as an adult learning disabilities and rehabilitation unit, as well as a community base for drug and alcohol support services.
The plans are subject to planning permission from Boston Borough Council. A full planning application is in preparation and will be submitted by the Trust later this year.
Care will be taken to safeguard as much of the existing environment on the site as possible during the redevelopment, in recognition of the health benefits for patients and to support local wildlife.
The Trust has appointed Integrated Health Projects (IHP) to undertake the clearance and building works. As part of the demolition process, site hoardings will be installed to maintain safety.
Any residents with any queries about the scheme can contact Alan Pattison, project lead, on a.pattison@nhs.net or call 07817 848089.