Trafford Mental Health Hospital Refurb is Recognised in International Design Awards
Pictured left to right: Phillip Ross, CEO at Safehinge Primera and Chair at the Design in Mental health Network; Steven Frost, Capital Projects Manager at GMMH; Mark Cowpland, Associate Director at Gilling Dod Architects; Jon Campbell, Associate Director of Estates and Facilities at Leeds & York NHS Foundation Trust and Chair at the Design in Mental Health Network.
A refurbishment at the Moorside unit, a mental health hospital based in Urmston in Trafford, has been Highly Commended in the international Design in Mental Health Awards 2023.
The awards recognise international excellence in solution-led environments for mental health patients to support their wellbeing and recovery.
Moorside unit, part of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), provides inpatient care for adults of working age and older adults in Trafford, to help them on their mental health recovery journey and support them to transition back into the community safety. It is also the location of many consultant-led outpatient clinic appointments.
The aim of the refurbishment was to create a welcoming and dignified waiting area while effectively separating inpatient and outpatient services.
To achieve this, innovative design strategies were used, which maximised on the space available and utilised cost-effective materials. The result was a transformed space that promotes comfort, dignity, and improved patient experience. Key features include:
- A green colour scheme, which is known to promote a feeling of calm and relaxation.
- A new layout, creating an open space and intuitive journey through the area.
- Discreet room dividers to provide separate spaces for inpatients and outpatients.
- An LED skylight, to bring natural effects into the environment, and supplement the sense of space.
- An accessible reception interface.
- New visitor toilet facilities.
- New furniture and flooring.
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The award ceremony took place at Coventry Arena on Wednesday 7 June 2023, during the Design in Mental Health Exhibition and Conference. Run by the Design in Mental Health Network, the awards recognise international excellence in solution-led environments for mental health patients to support their wellbeing and recovery.
The GMMH Capital team were recognised for their project that offered an innovative and therapeutic care space for patients and staff whilst working within a limited budget.
Marc Reed, Associate Director of Capital, Estates and Facilities at GMMH said:
“This recognition at the prestigious, international Design in Mental Health Awards is a real testament to our project's success. It highlights the dedication and expertise of our fantastic Capital Services team, in delivering impactful projects within limited budgets. It serves as an inspiring example of how design can create meaningful change in improving mental health care.”
One service user, who wishes to remain anonymous said:
“The reception area at Moorside in Trafford is unlike any reception area I have ever seen! It is bright green which is a calming and positive colour; and the design and furniture are fresh, new, and matching. The skylight creates a dimension and focal point. It is very modern and welcoming.”
Another service user, who wishes to remain anonymous, said:
“I have been coming to Moorside as an outpatient for years. The new reception is warm, welcoming, and bright - it cheers me up. It is much better than it was. I like it.”
