Gosport War Memorial Hospital gets share of £400m funding boost to improve wards for mental health patients

Gosport War Memorial Hospital has been given a share of £400m from the Department of Health and Social Care to do work to Poppy and Rose wards, which are currently both arranged in a dormitory style with 16 beds on each wards.

The work, which began last month and is expected to be completed in Spring 2021, will remove the dormitory format and be replaced with 14 with individual en-suite rooms to give patients more privacy and a better environment for care.

Grant Macdonald, director of operations for Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘The works are being co-designed with patients, carers and staff to ensure it is the best it possibly can be for them.

‘Alongside we have also set up a dedicated Intensive Support Team to support more people to remain in their home, avoiding unnecessary admissions.

‘This is by far the biggest investment in older person’s mental health in the area and will ensure that Gosport War Memorial Hospital is providing the best care possible for people in a modern environment.’

Patients currently in the unit have been temporarily placed on the Trust’s other mental health wards in the county while the work is completed.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: ‘Mental health staff have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep mental health services open 24/7 so those most in need can continue to get vital support.

‘By eradicating outdated and unsuitable dormitories across England we can ensure those suffering with mental illness are given the safety, privacy and dignity they deserve.

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‘Not only will the new single rooms improve the individual care we can offer patients, they will provide a better environment for our hardworking staff too.’

NHS England’s National Mental Health Director Claire Murdoch added: ‘Millions of mental health patients are seen by the NHS every year, many thousands as inpatients, and each and every one of them should receive care in wards that are therapeutic and support their recovery, which is why this funding will be so vital.’