Race Cottam-designed mental health facility

The showcase mental health unit procured through the Department of Health Procure 21 framework has been described as "one of the best" by the head of the NHS.

The unit has been designed in partnership with Kier Health and the Barnsley Primary Care Trust by leading Yorkshire architects Race Cottam Associates NHS Chief Executive David Nicholson CBE officially opened the new GBP11 million Kendray acute mental health unit, the Oakwell Centre, which is set to become a blueprint for NHS design and sustainability, further enhancing Race Cottam's reputation as one of the country's leading practices for NHS projects.

The project has delivered a purpose-built unit comprising two, 15-bed acute adult wards, a six-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit and associated therapy facilities with a range of secure courtyard gardens.

David Nicholson, speaking at the opening, said: "Barnsley's Oakwell Centre is a beacon for mental health services".

"The modern building reflects the importance of these services to Barnsley and shows the value we place on mental health services in the NHS.

"This is one of the best units of its kind I have seen and an example of excellence for the rest of the NHS." Sheffield-based architects Race Cottam designed the new unit in partnership with Barnsley Primary Care Trust and Kier Health acting in the role of Principal Supply Chain Partner".

"Mark Barker, Race Cottam regional director and lead architect, said: "It is a pleasure to see the new centre officially open.

We have worked closely with all stakeholders to meet the design brief and break down institutional barriers, delivering a safe, positive and friendly environment for service users"".

"The acute ward accommodation is arranged in two Y-shaped wings, mirrored to create separate male and female wards".

"Each wing has a series of en-suite bedrooms and shared therapeutic spaces".

"Enclosed activity and therapy rooms provide private space for small group and one-to-one sessions, and an open-plan reception and cafe area, open to the general public, aims to provide a welcoming, non-institutional atmosphere".

"The project boasts a range of environmental features including underfloor heating, natural ventilation and therapeutic 'themed' gardens".

"The development has also used environmentally friendly materials such as timber cladding and recycled aluminium alloy roofing, whilst a ground source heat pump will transfer heat retained in the earth to help heat the building".

"Martin Brackstone, director for Kier Health, said: "Race Cottam architects have also come up with an innovative design solution to the problem of maximising use of the 30 acute beds while maintaining separate male and female wards, using a 'swing wall' which allows the fabric of the building between the two areas to move and accommodate a flexible population".

""Working with Mark's team at Race Cottam has been a real pleasure".

"The collaborative and friendly management style that they adopt has proved itself in the outcome of this scheme".

"Capitalising on this achievement for them is well deserved and endorsed by Kier Health".

Race Cottam, with studios in Sheffield and Knutsford, has completed a range of acute and primary care facilities across the country over the last two years.

These include the GBP6.5 million Flagg Court primary care centre in South Tyneside, and a new GBP12 million critical care unit at Sheffield's Northern General Hospital.

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