Building work is underway on our brand-new specialist inpatient facility for adults with a learning disability in Preston.
We held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday (7 October) alongside contractors Integrated Health Projects (IHP), the joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, signalling the development of the 14-bed facility, named Water Meadow View on our Guild Park site in Whittingham.
Situated in a green, tranquil space, the building will be part of a £32m investment and its name, chosen in partnership with service users, reflects its picturesque surroundings which are ideal for mental health recovery.
Chris Oliver, Chief Executive, said:
“One of our Trust aims is to deliver the best possible care to our patients and this new inpatient unit will do just that. Water Meadow View will offer clinical excellence, support and safety, with patient-centred care at the heart.
It’s great to see the building work is happening on this fantastic facility which will provide those with a learning disability who require a mental health admission a place to get the dedicated help and treatment they deserve, as there is no other specialist NHS offer like this within Lancashire and South Cumbria at present.
It is part of our future vision and commitment to bring people the support they need closer to home and their social connections, which we know is vitally important for those with mental health illnesses but in particular for those who also have a learning disability.
We are committed to working closely with those with lived experience, their families, carers, support groups, as well as colleagues and partners, including the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), to co-produce this new service so that it meets the needs of service users.”
NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board’s Chief Nurse, Sarah O’Brien, added:
“One of the priorities of the NHS Long-Term Plan is to reduce the number of out of area placements – this means more people receiving support and treatment closer to home.
Water Meadow View will achieve just that for those people in Lancashire and South Cumbria who have a learning disability and require a mental health admission.
It’s wonderful to see the building work is underway and we will continue to work closely with the Trust as this work continues, as well as the work to develop the clinical model.”
Stuart Brown, VINCI Building’s Construction Director, continued:
“We are delighted the scheme is now on site. Once completed the new learning and disability development will provide dedicated facilities for the population. Our delivery team are also looking forward to working with the local community groups developing education opportunities both during the works and by creating long term employment for local people in the construction industry.
We are certain the whole area will benefit from the works as well as realising the Trust’s vision of bringing essential support for local people closer to their homes.”
The building is planned to be completed in autumn 2025.
Chris Oliver continued:
“This development will sit right at the heart of the community in Whittingham and we will be looking for a great team to come and work with us there. We are also committed to employing people with lived experience”.
Jobs will be advertised in the coming months on our website and on Trust social media channels.
