Improved patient facilities at Barnsley’s new Willow Ward

A newly refurbished older person’s mental health ward at Kendray Hospital has been reopened by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, providing excellent new facilities for patients.

The former Ward 6, now called the Willow Ward after patients were asked for suggestions for a new name, was officially opened at a special event on Friday 10 June, attended by staff and patients.

Having been redesigned to offer the highest standards of patient safety, privacy, dignity, and infection control; the ward also complies with same-sex accommodation standards as well being fully accessible for disabled people.

The ward cares for older people with functional mental health problems and now boasts ten, large en-suite bedrooms; improved treatment, examination and interview rooms; better assisted bathing and showering facilities and more spacious lounge and dining areas. The outside patio area has also been improved.

Other new features include a security access system and a staff alarm system to help them to summon help quickly if a patient is in need.

All the new furniture and flooring was chosen in line with infection prevention and control standards and patients will now also benefit from having lockable safes in bedrooms to ensure privacy.

Kim Hawcroft, modern matron on the Willow Ward, said, "The refurbishment has given us a more modern and spacious ward, providing a significantly improved environment for patients which should help to aid recovery.

"The larger corridors and improved access means that patients with a disability will find it much easier to get around, while the split male and female wings help to protect patients’ privacy and dignity."

For more information about South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, including how to become a member, visit www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk