Construction of £20 million mental health unit gets underway
Doors to the site are set to open in 2025
Last updated 24th Jul 2024
The ground has been broken on a £20 million mental health unit in Bristol - set to provide care for people in Wiltshire and across the northern half of the South West.
Construction's underway on the site which'll be used specifically for those whose needs can't be met by existing hospital or community based services.
Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board say work to build the site has already started 'in earnest', as NHS staff and construction colleagues, along with local people who have lived experience of learning disabilities and autism, watched the first spades break ground.
When it opens in 2025, it will be able to support up to 10 patients at any one time and will help keep people much closer to home and reduce the need for patients to be admitted to facilities far away from their family and friends.
Among those who witnessed the turf being officially cut on Friday 19 July was Ben Stunnel, an autism peer mentor whose lived experience, along with that of others with the condition, has helped to influence the design of the new build.
He said: “It has been very rewarding and confidence building to have our thoughts and ideas listened to and it will be very exciting to see the building going up and taking shape knowing that we’ve contributed so much.
“I really hope that in future many people and families will benefit from what this new building can offer, and will help to ensure that people get the best care possible to meet their needs and support recovery.”
The unit will be run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, and will complement another similar facility currently under construction in Devon.
Laura Ambler, Executive Lead for Learning Disabilities and Autism, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “I am delighted that after months of rigorous planning and working in partnership with local people and their families, work on this new unit is formally under way.
“When fully open in 2025, this site will be a fantastic addition to our existing mental health services, and I know from speaking with local people that having something like this based in our region will make an enormous difference to those who may have otherwise needed to have travelled significant distances for the right care and treatment.”
David Jarrett, Chief Delivery Officer, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, said: “It is fantastic to see work starting on this much needed facility.
“Its development demonstrates our shared dedication to delivering specialised, compassionate care that meets the unique needs of local people, ensuring they receive the support and services they deserve.”
Construction of the new unit, which is yet to be named, is being carried out by Willmott Dixon, with the project expected to wrap up in the spring, ahead of an official opening later in the year.
You can find out more about the unit here.