BUILDING work has started on a multi-million pound development at Walton Hospital in Chesterfield.
Two vacant buildings will be demolished to make way for a new facility to provide specialist care for elderly patients with mental health problems.
South Yorkshire firm of architects Race Cottam Associates has designed the £11m scheme in partnersh
ip with Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust.
Mark Barker, regional director in the Sheffield office of Race Cottam, said: "The new ward accommodation is arranged in two loosely rectangular wings that are mirrored and linked to create two connected 24-bed wards. "Each wing has single patient bedrooms with a range of ancillary accommodation and shared therapeutic spaces.
"The form of this building creates an enclosed courtyard garden for patient use throughout the year. Medical research has shown exposure to nature has a number of psychological benefits to patients with mental health problems.
"There are improved reception and staff facilities, all provided in a single-storey building, and we have tried to provide a welcom-ing, non-institutional atmosphere." The design will improve road access to the new unit and create a new pedestrian link to the day hospital.
Tim Broadley, assistant director for adults and older people's services at Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: "This is wonderful news for Walton Hospital and the surrounding community and demonstrates the PCT's commitment to improving local provision.
"This £11m development will result in a more user-focused service at the hospital and enable patients to receive care in the most appropriate environment in accordance with best practice.
"It will also provide vital support for carers as well as patients. We ask that staff bear with us while vital demolition work takes place."
The new wards are due to be completed in February 2010.
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