Work has started on a new facility for elderly mental health patients at Walton Hospital in Chesterfield.
The £11 million building, designed by South Yorkshire architects Race Cottam Associates, is part of the Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust’s commitment to improving mental healthcare. The “showcase design” features a figure of eight layout “specifically designed to ensure that wards do not have dead ends”, and with wide corridors to maximise use of natural light. Demolition of two vacant buildings will pave the way for two, purpose-designed, 24-bedded wards. All rooms will be singlebedded with en suite facilities, with the development featuring physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and catering services.
