Silverwood – A new state of the art mental health inpatient service – Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Nominee Information

At the heart of Silverwood’s design is an unwavering commitment to engagement with people who need mental health services. Due to open in autumn 2024, Silverwood is being constructed on the former Abraham Cowley Unit site, Chertsey, Surrey.

From its inception, individuals with lived experience have played a central role in design and decision-making. A dedicated Lived Experience Group, co-chaired by someone who has used our services, influences decisions on crucial aspects including art strategy, outdoor spaces, wayfinding, and workforce models. We have experts by experience integrated into project workstreams and engagement with broader Trust forums like FoCUS (Forum of carers and people who use services) and Carers Action Group, fostering continuous collaboration.

In a strategic partnership with the Independent Mental Health Network and Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, extensive research was conducted. Surveys, group discussions, and interviews explored service preferences, understanding what aids recovery and healing, and information to be provided on the wards which informed the early design stages.

To bring the design to life, we adopted innovative methods including virtual reality headsets, digital walkthroughs by our architects, and furniture showcases. Direct involvement of people with lived experience resulted in tangible feedback, influencing the final construction sheets and furniture choices.

The importance of outside spaces was a focus of the Hospital Design forum, with specific input from service users shaping our different therapy gardens.

Recognising the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, early engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community ensured their service user needs were addressed, and this influenced the corridor wing design. Early engagement with Access Able has also ensured that the needs of individuals with disabilities are integral to the hospital’s design.

The Lived Experience Group helped shape requirements for the calm spaces on each ward, with a focus on neurodevelopmental needs. This involvement led to the integration of features such as LED mood lighting, interactive projectors, and a focus on acoustics and noise reduction.

A critical aspect addressed through service user collaboration was the use of seclusion rooms. Insights from the Lived Experience Group supported a reduction from two to one seclusion rooms, aligning with our commitment to minimising restrictive practices.

Art, a vital element of Silverwood’s therapeutic environment, saw renowned healthcare interior artist Kate Bond lead collaborative workshops with service users and colleagues, and through these, the artistic identity of Silverwood was shaped.

Harnessing the power of technology, online polls were employed across our digital and social media platforms for key decisions including exterior façade colours, building and ward names. Using these channels ensured service users could participate ensuring a sense of ownership and representation.

Recognising the emotional significance of the former unit’s closure and demolition, we invited former service users to sign bricks from the old building, symbolising its closure and renewal. These will be made into a planter in the new hospital.

“Silverwood’s engagement with people is integral to ensuring the service is therapeutic, safe, and welcoming for all who need it.” – Wendy Smith, Co-production and Community Engagement Officer, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People.