News release: work in progress to upgrade patient facilities

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) joined forces with Integrated Health Projects (IHP) to design and refurbish Brant Ward, in Witham Court, North Hykeham.

The scheme will upgrade the ward from multi occupancy dormitory bedroom accommodation to single rooms with en-suites utilising the shell of the existing ward and extending into the garden, so improving the services offered to older adults with mental health problems and dementia.

The neighbouring Langworth Ward will also benefit with an extension to provide a bariatric room.

Brant Ward previously cared for 20 patients in dormitory style accommodation, which is no longer considered fit for purpose in a modern mental health environment. National guidance recommends individual en-suite bedrooms are provided to protect the privacy and dignity of patients with a maximum ward size of 18.

The development is now “out the ground” with the majority of brickwork completed, forming the extensions and a small inner courtyard allowing light into the building and providing an outdoor space for patients unable to access the new garden.

This week has seen the extension roof structure started and windows installation. Internal walls are being formed which shows the shape of the ward and once the building is water tight mechanical, electrical and internal finishing works will commence.

LPFT Chair Paul Devlin said:

“It is very exciting, to see the progress in this project. You can already see a huge difference to the building and I can’t wait to see the finished product. I’m sure patients will be looking forward to moving into these new facilities.”

IHP Regional Director, Keith Shivers, who is overseeing the design and construction of the project, said:

“We’re very pleased with the progress we’ve made so far on this important refurbishment project. It was a pleasure to be able to show some of the Trust and healthcare staff around the site recently, where they were able to see for themselves how the plans are evolving into reality.

“Our site team are working hard and looking forward to being able to hand over modern, fit-for-purpose facilities for the patients and staff of Brant Ward.”

The project is due to be completed in September.