Wesham Rehabilitation Unit, Wesham
Overview
Conversion and refurbishment of a 40 bed elderly care unit into a 28 bed mental health rehabilitation unit. The current facility was constructed in approximately 2001 and has been unused for some time. It is located in the grounds of a former hospital with a large area of the grounds sold for residential development.
The centre aims to offer patients a holistic approach including leading people towards happier and more fulfilling lives.
The centre includes treatment rooms, living space, therapy gardens and a community café at the entrance. It is designed to provide a bridge between acute care and community living. We are bringing forward many health and community projects across the region for the NHS, which are helping to enrich people’s lives from GP surgeries to diagnostic units and we’re very proud to have been able to help transform this building into such a valuable community resource.
User and clinical engagement meetings allowed the design to evolve into a unit that is totally removed from people’s traditional view of a hospital environment.
The design encompasses large areas of open access space, a reception area that is warm and welcoming, a central living space that connects the two bedrooms wings which is a truly uplifting space for day-to-day relaxing and engagement with full access to an exceptional garden where residents can grow and nurture their own produce. The centre is also working with a local charity to encourage residents to get involved in growing produce in the standout therapy gardens that have been created.
Added Value
Engagement with neighbours was a positive blend of old and new with letter drops from site and social media presence by the client giving the best of both worlds for the neighbours.
A clear well-structured monitoring of environmental issues to ensure appropriate action was taken, such as raising awareness of operatives to the possible presence of bats. Eco cabins are in use and the carbon footprint calculated. Throughout the project, there was good communication of environmental information to operatives and the general public alike.