Mental health ward gets a make-over!
A ward which provides assessment, care and treatment for adults with mental health problems at Dewsbury & District Hospital has benefitted from a £400,000 make-over. The ward is run by South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust, which provides mental health and learning disabilities for people across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.
The refurbishment of Ward 18 at the Priestley Unit saw the ward being totally redecorated and refurnished. Brand new carpets, curtains and furniture were fitted in both the communal areas and the private bedrooms. Whilst the ward was being refurbished, staff and people using the services were temporarily based at St Luke’s hospital in Huddersfield.
The layout of the ward was rearranged to make way for a large, communal seating area in the centre of the ward, creating a social hub. The new layout has also allowed for a new ladies-only area which includes a separate shower room and bathroom.
A welcoming reception area now forms part of the ward, along with a child visiting room, an art and activities room and a modern clinic room. There is also now disabled access to one of the garden areas. In addition, the ward is in the process of creating a well equipped gym with a treadmill, exercise bikes and rowing machines, as staff there recognise the benefits of physical exercise on mental health.
Ward manager Graham Smith said "The ward is unrecognisable and the refurbishment has been a breath of fresh air for both staff and people who use services here. The work that has been carried out has improved the care environment no end and given a real boost to morale. Giving the ward this make-over has shown the people we care for that they are valued and deserve to be treated in high quality surroundings."
The Trust’s chief executive Steven Michael said, "The Trust is committed to providing an excellent standard of care for people who use its services, and delivering that care in the best possible environment. This project demonstrates that commitment and the outcome has had a hugely positive impact on all those receiving treatment on Ward 18."