Planning permission has been granted for a new Integrated Care Hub at South Tyneside District Hospital in South Shields, thought to be the UK’s largest of its type, which the architects, P+HS Architects, say will benefit South Tyneside’s growing ageing population.
Construction should start this April, with completion due in March 2016. Housing a range of health and social care services, the Hub’s focus will be to improve the health and wellbeing of local people, including those with dementia. It will also provide coordinated support to help people continue living independently in their communities for longer.
P+HS said: “The modern, welcoming building will offer a space to relax, a range of day services, help and advice, assessments, and medical consultation. There is also a gym, light-filled dining and social areas, small cosy spaces for quiet times, and safe access to landscaped gardens.
“Spacious en suite bedrooms offer nursing and residential options for shortstay rehabilitation, pre-bookable respite, or ‘time to think’, as well as longer-term care. The 80 bedrooms are designed in small clusters around open plan living, dining and sitting areas, creating a domestic scale and a homely environment. For those choosing to be cared for longer term, the emphasis is on a ‘home’ rather than a ‘care home’.”
Derek Shepherd of P+HS Architects added: “Our brief was to consider the crossing of boundaries between acute, primary, social, and mental healthcare. Working with multiple stakeholders from the NHS and local council departments provided an exciting, challenging process which will provide a unique focal landmark for the people of South Tyneside.”
South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust’s COO, Steve Williamson, said: “We are delighted that the plans for the integrated care hub for older people and their families and carers have been approved, and look forward to working with P+HS Architects as the plans become a reality. We can now forge ahead, and realise our joint vision with South Tyneside Council and key health, social care, and voluntary sector agencies of a centre of excellence, providing joined-up care for South Tyneside’s growing ageing population and the increasing numbers of people with dementia.”
Martin Swales, South Tyneside Council CEO, and lead member for Adult Social Care and Support Services, said: “Our pioneering approach to delivering integrated health and social care services will see South Tyneside leading the way with this state-of-the-art centre. Like the rest of the country, South Tyneside has an ageing population, with dementia cases set to rise across all ages by 50 per cent by 2030. This ambitious facility will enable us to provide the support and services to meet that growing need.”
