Agenda item

This report provides an update on the progress made and key milestones with regards to the development of a new mental health hospital for York and Selby.

Members received a presentation and update report on the development of plans for a new mental health hospital for York and Selby. Ruth Hill, Director of Operations, Dr Steve Wright, Deputy Medical Director, and Martin Dale, Strategic Project Manager, all from TEWV, were in attendance to deliver the presentation and to respond to questions. Derek Shepherd, from P&HS Architects, provided an interactive digital 3D model of the proposed new building.

The TEWV officers reported that work was ongoing to engage service users and care workers in all aspects of the project including the building design. Plans were currently going through the approval process and assurance had been sought from contractors and builders that the new building would be operational within the timescales given. Discussion with York St John University, the site’s neighbours, had been very positive and it was hoped that agreements would be reached regarding shared use of facilities and resources.

During the presentation of the model the following key design aspects were demonstrated:

·        Use of materials that drew on traditional aspects of the surrounding area.

·        A focal entrance without the need for signage.

·        An emphasis on landscaping within drop-off areas to enhance first impressions of the site.

·        An open reception area, extending into a more private area, both with drinks facilities and informal seating for visitors, staff and service users.

·        Incorporation of natural light through use of sky lights and floor-to-ceiling windows along many of the corridors.

·        The building was designed to be at a domestic scale with nothing higher than two-storeys and rooms arranged along single-sided corridors. There was ongoing discussion with service users about use of fabrics, colour schemes and art features.

The Chair thanked the officers for their presentation and invited questions from Members. The following points were made in response to the questions asked:

·        The design of bedrooms had been discussed at length, including issues such as position of beds, internal door design, and access for those with mobility problems.

·        Observation panels installed around the building would include use of Vistamatic door panes and be designed to cause minimal disturbance to patients.

·        In response to user feedback, shared spaces would be flexible for use in different ways (for example, projecting a football match on a large screen or delivering craft sessions).

·        It was hoped that mutually beneficial relationships could be built with the site’s neighbours and local schools, and that this would support the hospital’s integration within the university.

·        Different layouts for the site’s car parking spaces were being considered and installation of a pedestrian crossing outside the hospital was being looked into.

·        The entrance to the safe assessment area would be discreet with internal secure access to the rest of the hospital.

·        Community work would continue to take place in hubs closer to people’s homes.

·        Construction of the building had been planned using the YorBuild model which promoted local job creation and use of the local workforce.

·        The hospital was being financed by TEWV and it was envisaged that this would be retained as a hospital for York and Selby in the long term.

·        The hospital was scheduled to be completed by December 2019 with an additional six weeks allocated for staff orientation and to ensure the building was fully operational.

Members were impressed by the proposed design and felt it would be helpful to stay abreast of the project.

Resolved:  To note the briefing and request an executive summary of the business case for the hospital at the meeting of the committee in May 2018.

Reason:    To inform Members of the progress of the new hospital plans.