Kings Fund Chief Executive to Open Refurbished Ward

A major refurbishment project that has seen staff and patients at Littlemore Mental Health Centre work together to create a more healing environment, including a 6-foot stained-glass window, will be formally opened this Monday by the Chief Executive of the King’s Fund, Niall Dickson.

 

A major refurbishment project that has seen staff and patients at Littlemore Mental Health Centre work together to create a more healing environment, including a 6-foot stained-glass window, will be formally opened this Monday by the Chief Executive of the King’s Fund, Niall Dickson.

The Enhancing the Healing Environment project, which was part-funded by the Kings Fund, on Phoenix Ward features a stained glass window designed and constructed by a local artist and mental health service user.

In addition to the stained glass window, a new reception desk has been introduced (replacing the old “goldfish bowl” glass nurses’ office) and a new interview / therapy room has been added.

Ward Manager Matt Kent says: “The reaction from staff, users, carer and visitors on Phoenix Ward has been hugely positive. People have told me that it just doesn’t feel like a normal hospital ward, and that’s what we wanted to achieve.”

Service user and artist, Kay Gibbons, was responsible for the design of the stained glass window, which is located behind the reception desk. Kay says: “’I wanted the window to depict what it is like to be in the throes of a mental illness and the consequential journey through the desolation and inner turmoil to a more positive place showing that given the right space and nurturing we can all flourish.”

Chief Executive Julie Waldron says: “As a Trust we are committed to working closely with staff and service users to provide more therapeutic environments. I am delighted that we have been able to work so closely with the Kings Fund to improve this ward. The investment we have made together will benefit staff, service users and carers in the years to come.”

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Published: 15 July 2005