Visit to Silverwood Hospital, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust

Our chief executive, Daniel Elkeles, recently visited Silverwood Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey one of the two inpatient facilities for Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust. Here is what he had to say.

“The hospital has 64 inpatient beds across four wards with all rooms ensuite. Opened on time and under-budget in February this year, it replaced some very grim dormitory accommodation. The design is exemplary and to a similar high standard to North View in Greater Manchester that I recently visited. Silverwood was just pipped at the post coming Highly Commended to North View in the Design in Mental Health awards. Having now seen both facilities it must have been very tough to judge! 

“The team behind this project are rightly proud of what they have achieved. They aimed high, looking to balance the need for a welcoming and therapeutic environment, with better staff facilities and an absolute focus on safety.

“To improve the quality of the environment for its patients and staff, the trust worked closely with people with lived experience and its on-site teams. For patients, the hospital now includes:

• easy access to high quality outdoor spaces
• a gym
• a fully accessible kitchen to help them relearn practical skills to support life after they leave
• For staff, the hospital now provides:
• improved facilities to change, cook and eat
• quiet space for valuable relaxation and rest

“All of the rooms and facilities were tried and tested by staff, including during a sleepover, to make sure they properly worked before the hospital opened, Some of other design innovations include calm rooms in every ward to provide calming and tranquil environments, local artwork inside and outside, and door locks activated by fobs worn on staff wrists. Following patient feedback, Silverwood is about to take delivery of two rabbits as permanent therapeutic pets.

“These new facilities have supported recruitment and retention, with the site now at their full establishment for nursing, therapy and support staff as well as reducing spend by 2/3 on enhanced patient observation. Patient experience and outcomes have also been boosted, with length of stay halved and no out-of-area placements for the last few months. 
Silverwood is a great example of what the NHS can achieve when it builds based on its values and strong engagement with the people, families and carers who use services - and the workforce and partners who serve them.

“Thank you Aruna, Lorna and team for such an inspiring visit.“