Opened in July 2022 after just eight months of construction, New Spenser Ward supports females aged 65+ who need inpatient mental health care and treatment. The spacious and modern facility is based on the St. Peter’s Hospital campus in Chertsey. It offers 20 ensuite bedrooms, multi-purpose communal areas and a relaxing garden space for people staying on the ward, their families, and carers.

Built in under eight months using modular construction methods, the facility can be transported and repurposed to support other areas of the Trust once the new hospital is open.

While the design was guided by HTM and HBN requirements, the building was developed with the Trust to provide inpatients with a more modern and therapeutic environment. The 20-bedroom accommodation block offers en-suite facilities and accessible single occupancy rooms, along with a kitchen area, internal and external communal spaces, and staff rooms.

One of the key advantages of the design is that the building can be fully relocated in the future to meet the Trust’s long-term strategic plans, making it a flexible and futureproof space. A key aspect of the design is that the environment is ligature minimised to maximise safety for inpatients and staff.

To complement the interior design, the lighting complies with BS EN 12464 and the CIBSE code for interior lighting to maximise energy savings and visual comfort using natural daylight. It includes a colour change facility, offering an element of mood lighting to help relax inpatients. Additionally, the external cladding colours were designed to complement the landscaped surroundings and enhance feelings of comfort, safety and serenity.

George, whose wife had stayed at the previous ACU facility and had now benefitted from New Spenser Ward, said: “The ACU had shared bed spaces, so it was difficult to have a private visit to see my wife within the ward. At New Spenser Ward, the private bed spaces and bathroom facilities are well designed. One big surprise is the garden – it’s really well designed with raised beds and an abundance of different plants and flowers giving a calming tranquil feel.”