Statement: confirmation of investment

Stuart Richardson, Chief Executive of NSFT said: “We are delighted to have secured almost £50m capital investment to develop three new state-of-the-art wards and refurbish two existing wards at The Rivers Centre, Hellesdon Hospital, Norwich.

“It is the single largest capital investment ever to improve facilities at the Trust and will significantly improve the experience of those who need us, their families and carers, and our staff. This is another significant sign of progress as we continue to improve and work towards delivering consistently safe, high quality and excellent care. We look forward to welcoming patients and staff to this new facility when it opens next in the summer of 2024.”

Notes to editors:

The almost £50m capital investment is the single largest capital investment ever to improve facilities at the Trust (£38m national capital funding, alongside £11.7m NSFT investment)
This investment will provide modern, purpose-built environments and therapeutic space as well as additional capacity so the Trust can support 15 further working age adults who need inpatient mental health care across Norfolk and Suffolk
Once open, the Rivers Centre will reduce the Trust’s dependency on out of area and independent sector placements for people needing inpatient mental health care, treatment, and support. The Centre will play a significant role in enhancing care for local people recognising wherever possible people needing inpatient care should receive care in a facility as close to home as possible
With the funding confirmed from NHS England and planning approval in place building contractors have started enabling works.
The investment will provide a much-improved environment to the existing ward space that is being replaced, which suffers from poor lighting, a lack of quiet space and poor access to outside areas – issues which have been previously highlighted for improvement as part of CQC inspections
The Trust is exploring further capital funding options to build a centralised hub facility, fresh cook kitchen and reception/café to complement this development.