£1.3m inpatient unit upgrade begins | News and events

People with learning disabilities and/ or autism will soon receive care in more homely and modern surroundings thanks to a £1.3m refurbishment project funded by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT).

 

Work has begun on an extensive revamp of two bungalows in Walker Close in Ipswich, which are being transformed into comfortable and welcoming environments which will improve safety for patients, as well as their experience of accessing care.

 

The project – which has been planned in partnership with service users – will see each bungalow’s four bedrooms and shared bathroom replaced with three en-suite bedrooms, improving privacy and dignity while complying with single sex accommodation guidance.

 

Porches will be added to the front of the buildings to provide an extra door for safety and added security, while CCTV will also be installed.

 

All of the internal fixtures and fittings, together with the furniture, are being replaced, while the buildings will be redecorated in pale blues, greens and lilacs to create a calming and relaxed atmosphere.

 

Pat Long, Associate Director, said: “Our teams are really excited about this project and delighted that the Trust is investing such a significant sum to upgrade this dated accommodation.

 

“The bungalows provide 24/7 care for people with learning disabilities or autism who are experiencing additional mental health issues, or other challenging behaviours which are difficult to manage within the community. As such, it is vital that the environment is as calming and homely as possible.

 

“Staff have worked really closely with our service users while planning this upgrade and have made sure they are fully involved with decisions on colour schemes, furnishings and overall design. This is really important as they will be the ones using the space so it is vital that they can have their say on how the buildings will look and feel.”

 

Susie Howlett, Service Lead for the Learning Disability and Autism Specialist Service, added: “Some really nice touches have been included in the design, such as pictures of windmills, the sea and beach huts which will be added to doors to help patients to identify their bedrooms. These images will double as visibility apertures which staff can open to check that service users are safe, again helping the bungalows look less clinical.

 

“Work is also taking place to upgrade the communal areas and kitchens so that staff can support service users to do their own washing and prepare simple meals to build up their confidence and independence as they get ready for discharge. Medical equipment in the bungalows will be upgraded while ensuring it is stored out of sight as much as possible to continue the homely feel.”

One bungalow is being refurbished at a time so that service users who need an inpatient admission can continue to receive care while construction work takes place. Work on both bungalows should be complete by early 2021.