First of three new mental health wards opens in Hereford

A ward providing specialist care to older adults experiencing mental illness has opened following a multi-million pound transformation.

Jenny Lind is the first of three mental health wards at the Stonebow Unit to undergo redevelopment as part of the Eliminating Dormitories project; a national scheme to eradicate dormitory style accommodation from mental health facilities across the country.

The £14.9 million project will see the creation of three bespoke mental health inpatient wards, each boasting private ensuite bedrooms, improved communal areas and accessible outdoor space.

The move to replace dormitory-style accommodation with individual private bedrooms is expected to improve privacy and dignity, enhancing patient care.

Patients will also benefit from larger communal areas that enable them to eat and socialise together, a female lounge and a group room where patients can partake in organised group activities.

Dr John Devapriam, Medical Director said, “All aspects of the ward have been designed to maximise the therapeutic outcomes for our patients. Together with the specialist care provided by our teams, this will support our patients to reach their recovery goals quicker and reduce their length of stay in hospital.

Melanie Jones, Ward Manager said, “The new Jenny Lind Ward is a significant improvement for the patients that use our services. Each patient now has their own ensuite facilities that will improve their dignity and privacy, large communal areas that allow them to informally socialise, and a lovely group room where patients can engage in group activities.

“Our staff will also benefit from the larger working space, good visual observations of the ward and all that use the ward will benefit from the modern, clean and fresh interior”

Patients moved into their new accommodation earlier this week, having been cared for on the former Jenny Lind Ward while the building work took place.

Jenny Lind is one of five mental health wards run by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust benefitting from national investment to remove dormitory-style accommodation.

The new Holt Ward in Worcester recently opened following similar improvements, with construction now underway on neighbouring Athelon. In Hereford, work is due to commence on Cantilupe Ward next month, followed by Mortimer Ward later in 2023.