Julian checks in with progress ahead of the opening of York’s new mental health facility at Peppermill Court
September 9, 2016
Julian recently visited Peppermill Court to see the progress being made ahead of the opening of the adult mental health facility. Fire has delayed the opening of the specialist unit until early October but Julian was keen to visit and learn more about the new facility.
Since Bootham Park Hospital’s closure last September there has been no provision for in-patients in York. The Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) has taken over provision of mental health care in York and managed the project to restore this important service to the city. Peppermill Court, a former care home, has been adapted to serve a 24-bed assessment and treatment unit with male and female wards; each with 12 single bedrooms.
Speaking after the visit Julian said, “It was fantastic to see how the redevelopment at Peppermill Court has been progressing. Speaking to staff and organisers it is clear that there is great passion and enthusiasm to deliver this important service.
“I was very impressed at the quality of the refurbishment, with communal areas, bedrooms and treatment facilities being completed to a high standard. The project itself has been well-managed and, following some unfortunate circumstances, should be ready to provide treatment at the beginning of October.
“While there are plans for a new mental health hospital to open in 2019, it is important for high class mental health facilities to return to the heart of our city so patients can receive care locally. This is a great step forward and I commend the hard-work and dedication that has been required to bring this project to this point.”