A new state-of-the-art mental health hub in Boston is a step closer to being built after planning permission was granted.

A planning application has been approved for Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (LPFT) new 19-bed mixed-gender inpatient ward at the Norton Lea site on London Road.

The plans are part of a wider national programme to improve mental healthcare services, which also include the new £25million development in Lincoln where two new adult inpatient wards have been built.

Alan Pattison, LPFT’s programme lead, explains:

“We want to improve privacy and dignity standards for people who use our services, so we are planning to create a new facility which will serve those living in the east and south of Lincolnshire. We’ve co-designed the building with our Experts by Experience, with healthcare professionals and with construction experts, so we’re confident we will create a therapeutic space for those who receive care from us.

“This project is part of a multi-million-pound investment to replace the outdated former dormitory style accommodation at Pilgrim Hospital. By building at Norton Lea, we will also be able to co-locate other mental health support services, making it a real support hub for the people of Boston and surrounding areas.”

Feedback from patients, carers and staff has been used to help shape the new plans for the site as part of LPFT’s ‘Building Together’ programme.

Kevin Lockyer, Chair of Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), said:

“The new facility at the Norton Lea site will replace the existing Ward 12 at Pilgrim Hospital. All rooms will provide ensuite accommodation, removing outdated shared dormitory wards from our sites for all our patients, as part of our focus to provide an outstanding patient experience.

“The design of the new site will give all patients ground floor access to a courtyard. Due to the size of the Norton Lea site, there will also be a nature garden for patients to use, something which is proven to offer therapeutic value and to help support recovery.”

Improvements have also been made to the layout and design of the proposed new ward, including:

• access to a quiet room/sensory area for patients who require peace and tranquillity;
• a garden featuring aromatic plants and seating;
• locating family rooms in quieter areas, away from the ward with outdoor seating for family and patient visits;
• maximising the use of natural daylight to create a therapeutic environment and to reduce building lighting costs.

If you would like to be part of the Trust’s ‘Building Together’ focus group, please contact Sarah Cox via lpft.involvement@nhs.net or call 07773 206341 or 07972 452425.

For more information, please visit www.lpft.nhs.uk/newacutewards