New £250m high-security Broadmoor Hospital opens
The new Broadmoor Hospital is open, more than 150 years after the original was founded.
Patients and staff have moved into the new, ‘state-of-the-art’ facility in Crowthorne, Berkshire which replaces the old hospital, most of whose buildings pre-date the foundation of the NHS.
Located in the existing grounds to the west of the old site, a spokesman for West London NHS Trust said the new hospital has been purpose-built to provide a safe, therapeutic environment for the care, treatment and rehabilitation of patients who need psychiatric care in a high-secure setting.
It provides multi-disciplinary treatment for up to 210 men, over the age of 18, with mental illness and personality disorder, who represent a high degree of risk to themselves and others.
Patients are admitted from prison, court or a medium secure hospital. Some have not committed an offence, but need specialised care in a high-secure setting to aid their recovery. All patients at Broadmoor Hospital are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.
The redevelopment comes after the old hospital was found to be unfit for the effective, safe care and rehabilitation of patients.
A spokesman for the trust said the old buildings were poorly configured and lacked basic standards of dignity, privacy, cleanliness and amenities. While the layout presented risks to the safety of staff, for example, in terms of their ability to observe patients properly.
In 2009, the Care Quality Commission highlighted concerns about the buildings, beds, layout and healthcare at Broadmoor, recommending that ‘the redevelopment must be progressed without delay.’
Carolyn Regan, chief executive of West London NHS Trust, said: ‘The new hospital epitomises the ethos of hope and recovery at Broadmoor.
‘With its focus on the use of space and natural light, the hospital has been designed to reflect this ethos, but it is, above all, the people who make the difference.
‘The expertise, compassion and calm professionalism of the staff at Broadmoor are fundamental to the way in which they care for and work with patients towards their rehabilitation and recovery.
‘The new hospital enables us to provide this care in an environment fit for the 21st Century over the coming years.’
A spokesman for the trust said staff, patients and carers have been closely involved in the design and artwork of the hospital, focusing on wellbeing and safety, with key features including spacious ward areas, with plenty of natural light and access to ward gardens.
As well as a modern layout which will allow staff to observe patients effectively and maintain a safe environment, a multi-disciplinary team located on every ward and a central building housing a wide range of therapeutic, vocational, educational and healthy living activities and a multi-faith room.
Photo Credit – West London NHS Trust.