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Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Description: 15 bed PICU, 15 bed LSU
Procurement: Procure21
Value: £1.4m
Programme: Completed May 2009
Vision: The development of the Harperbury site in line with the NHS plans to improve the physical environment from which services are provided. The proposed service developments of PICU and low secure rehabilitation will ensure that individuals will receive an effective response from local services. The unit will offer a modern standard of accommodation for staff and patients with secure external space in line with national guidance. The project will allow the Trust to double the number of PICU beds, reducing the current use of out of area placements and reliance on external contracts.
Challenge:
- Designing and building a new mental health facilities on a sensitive and quiet rural site which, albeit already owned by the NHS has potential residential redevelopment plans and community concerns.
- There are some environmental concerns which will also have an impact on the design.
- Building designs, solutions and components which responded to the risks of patients
- Robust components and finishes, and a secure environment promoting independence and contributing to the healing process
- To provide more maintainable solutions and especially off-ward maintenance for ease and cost benefits.
Solution: Extensive consultation with the local planning authority and key stakeholders. Innovative use of electronic media to keep everyone involved in the development of the site. www.harperbury.co.uk, regular meetings with local resident groups. The buildings were designed to integrate into the countryside setting utilising green roofs and timber cladding.
Benefit: Facilities will provide excellent local accessible NHS services to people of Hertfordshire. Purpose designed, built and landscaped environments will contribute to the healing process. Services for children and young adults will now be provided locally. Co-location with other complimentary NHS Services will improve working and communications amongst staff and will also provide the potential for shared learning, innovation and further development of services to the community.
Architects: Owens, Dransfield De Silva