Integrated Health Projects (IHP), the joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, recently celebrated the topping out of the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s new mental health facilities in Chesterfield and Derby. The event was attended by key individuals such as Mark Powell, Chief Executive of the Trust, Simon Corben, Director and Head of Profession for NHS Estates and Facilities at NHS England, and Geoff Neild, Programme Director for the Making Room for Dignity Programme. The ceremony, held at Derby Kingsway Hospital, followed a traditional Roman-era practice, with a bagpiper leading the guests to the rooftop. During the ceremony, Mick Murphy, IHP Works Manager, performed symbolic actions such as nailing an evergreen bough to the structure and conducting a concrete pour, ultimately presenting a tankard to Geoff Neild to signify a job well done.
The mental health facilities are part of the Trust’s ambitious £150 million Making Room for Dignity Programme, aimed at completely transforming the county’s mental health inpatient facilities. The project includes the construction of the Derwent Unit at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital, which will house 54 beds for Adult Acute Care, and the Carsington Unit, another 54-bed mental health facility for Adult Acute Care, along with a 14-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit at Kingsway Hospital in Derby. Notably, all rooms in both facilities will be en-suite and temperature controlled, providing a comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients. Additionally, shared amenities such as a therapy suite, kitchen, indoor fitness room, online library resource room, arts room, and access to a secured roof terrace and garden will contribute to the overall well-being of patients on the first floor.
James Beardmore, Project Manager at IHP, expressed pride in celebrating this significant milestone and acknowledged the outstanding collaboration demonstrated by the project team. He emphasized the commitment to delivering these adult acute care facilities as part of the Trust’s Making Room for Dignity Programme, which will greatly enhance mental healthcare services across the region. Geoff Neild, representing the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the importance of the new facilities in tackling dormitory-style arrangements and providing personalized en-suite bedrooms for service users. Furthermore, he emphasized the positive impact these facilities will have on the ability of families and loved ones to provide support during critical times.
The new mental health facilities developed by Integrated Health Projects in collaboration with the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust are expected to provide exceptional care and support for patients. The incorporation of essential amenities and the eradication of outdated communal spaces will undoubtedly elevate the quality of mental healthcare in the region.
