Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Clinical Project Team have now led the Eradication of Dormitories Programme for over 5 years, starting with the Lincoln Project that opened in 2023, the team led by Mental Health Nurses with over 40 combined years of experience have now completed the last project in the programme, Havenside Ward at Norton Lea in Boston, a 19 bed adult acute mixed gender inpatient unit, incorporating all the lessons learned and experience of the previous build into what is now the flagship of the Trust.
The Clinical Project Team have been committed to completing the Eradication of Dormitories Programme as they have been passionate on improving the patient experience, to give the privacy and dignity that patients should have and an experience that aids their recovery. Through the teams continued engagement with lived experience groups the design of Havenside is now the best it can be, listening to Post Occupation Feedback from the Lincoln project the team have incorporated those lessons learned to take the patient experience to the next level.
Through exploring how improvements could be made, increased and improved acoustic panelling has been installed throughout patient areas, interview rooms, meeting rooms and corridors, all have reduced resonance, creating a quieter environment, that coupled with the introduction of a ‘silent alarm’ system from Specialist Alarm Services has created a calm and sensitive environment that reflects the Culture of Care Standards expected in our inpatient services and to create an overall less anxiety provoking environment that audible alarm systems can sometimes do.
Another improvement and opportunity the project team responded to when engaging with the experts by experience was the introduction of the Wellness Café called Norton Tea, ran by a local charity organisation it offers an off ward supportive environment for patients and visitors, staff and members of the public, offering a full café experience and good coffee!. With the support of our Building Together Focus Group (Experts by Experience) their voice influenced the inclusion of the café within the new build, the Project Team gathered the social value evidence that supported the cafes inclusion and . (everyone loves a panini)
The clinical project team have worked alongside the principal contractor and have been able to share with them the vision of the purpose of the design decisions made by our experts by experience and other key stakeholders. In conjunction with them, ‘Toolbox Talks’ were set up to not only share the vision but also to provide insight to common mental health and wellbeing issues such as Depression and Anxiety. These talks enabled the on-site trades building Havenside to be made aware of support services available and if needed, to be guided to other health professionals. This innovative and informative engagement with construction colleagues we believe has led to the impressive attention to detail found on the new ward, it was clear they had pride in their work.
