Shared dormitories on mental health ward removed as part of £1.5m improvement programme

Date published: 02 September 2021

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust has invested over £1.5m in improving mental health hospital wards, including eliminating all outdated shared dormitories.

Moorside ward is based in the John Elliot unit at Rochdale’s Birch Hill Hospital provides specialist care to women aged 18 to 65 years, with conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychotic illness and personality disorders.

A huge building programme has seen dormitories at Moorside ward converted into ten single en-suite bedrooms. The modern and high quality rooms boast uplifting colour-coded décor, dimmable feature lighting, a walk-in shower, and special safety features.

With their eight existing bedrooms, the ward can now provide high quality accommodation for 18 patients.

Other key improvements include an activity hub - including a gym, sensory room with relaxing sounds and lighting, therapy kitchen and occupational therapists’ office; a waiting room and suite for patients’ mental health tribunal hearings; patients’ lounge with separate TV area and homely seating and a new staff restroom and shower facilities.

Meeta Mistry, 37, from Tameside, was a patient on the ward. She said: “During my stay it was a little bit noisy and hectic at times, but now I’ve see the new rooms it was all worth it. They have a lovely homely feel and I was grateful to have my own room and en-suite, rather than a dormitory.

“I love the massive TV and beautiful wall murals in communal areas. The location of the ward is the best aspect, as I really benefitted from walking in the local area. 

“There have been regular activities in the new hub, including arts and craft, bingo, yoga and meditation. We also had pizza making, coffee mornings and gardening sessions. 

“This helped to break up the days and was something to look forward to. I really valued the joined up approach to wellness and the opportunity to talk to other patients. 

“I’m very thankful to the staff, who have been friendly and supportive. They understood me and respected my need for space. It has honestly been the best ward I’ve been on. The level of care was excellent and I felt safe and supported. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the ward.”

Nursing assistant Bernice Jodrell has worked at Birch Hill Hospital for over nearly 50 years and on Moorside ward for nearly 30 years.  She said: “I was there when the ward first opened in the early 90s; it was lovely and considered very modern.  However, time has moved on and the ward was in need of some upgrades.

“The improvements are absolutely beautiful; it’s almost like a hotel. Patients have lots of space, lovely areas to relax, or get involved in activities and their own bedroom and bathroom, where they can create a home-from-home. 

“The team has been involved in the planning and lots of thought has gone into everything; right down to the windows, which now have blinds rather than curtains and excellent views of the countryside.

“It’s like a different place to work and has given us a huge morale boost. Our patients deserve the best and this has definitely been achieved.”

Ward manager Mark Hepburn added: “I’m delighted with the fantastic improvements, which will have a positive impact on the quality of patient care and provide our staff with a great place to work.

“It’s not always been easy to balance the building work with providing patient care, especially as it’s all happened during the pandemic.  However the contractors, our clinical staff and estates colleagues rose to the challenge and I’d like to thank them for their dedication, compassion and professionalism.

“Based on patient and staff feedback, it’s definitely been worth the wait.”

Earlier this year, Ramsbottom ward, at Bury’s Fairfield Hospital, also replaced their dormitories with single en-suite bedrooms. This 10 bed ward provides specialist care and treatment for women aged over 65 years.

Highlights on Ramsbottom ward include a new sensory room, with colour changing lights and hand painted fireplace; nature themed relaxation areas and overhead skylight to give the impression of being outdoors; an assisted bathroom and new outdoor area. There were also lots of improvements for staff including a central nurses’ station and staff room.