Refurbished ward at NSFT transforms care for older people | News and events

A £1.3m refurbishment of a ward dedicated to caring for older people experiencing mental health illnesses is now complete, transforming the environment for those who need care.

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s Blickling Ward, based at the Julian Hospital in Norwich, has 19 individual rooms. Staff based there care for older people who are experiencing conditions such as acute anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The improvement works included: making the patient sitting room lighter and airier; upgrading fixtures and fittings, including door handles, corridor handrails and bathroom furniture; fitting individual patient rooms with doors which have vision panels to improve privacy and dignity; and upgrading bathroom facilities.

The ward offers a spacious garden with a weatherproof seating area where gardening activities are organised to boost wellbeing. Patients can also join regular creative, crafting and social activities, and there are books, games, a television and even a piano to use if they wish.

As part of the works, a female-only sitting room has been built, as well as a separate activity room.

Helen Lawrence, Service Director for older adults, said: “We are delighted with the improvements. They have transformed the environment for the people we care for and for our staff, improving safety, comfort and aiding recovery.

“Staff and patients were involved in the design and decision-making process, and I am very grateful for their support while the refurbishments were underway.”

Aaron Baffoe, Clinical Team Leader for the ward, said: “Feedback from patients and staff about the refurbishment has been overwhelmingly positive. The whole ward feels brighter, more spacious, and more relaxing for the people in our care. And the additional safety measures provide that extra reassurance for families and carers.”