THE dementia ward at Hollins Park Hospital has unveiled a new outdoor space for patients following a six-figure investment.

A £120,000 refurbishment has seen the courtyard on the Winwick site’s Kingsley ward given a complete makeover.

It comes after the previous facility had been deemed a health and safety risk, with an uneven paved area seeing the space declared unusable.

And the Care Quality Commission had raised concerns over dementia patients in the mental health hospital being unable to go outdoors because of this during an earlier inspection.

But the newly-refurbished courtyard provides a ‘safe, open space for patients to access fresh air and daylight’ – specially-designed to meet needs of older people with dementia.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Wolves stars Stefan Ratchford and Chris Hill attended the opening of the new facility

All paving has been removed and replaced with soft granular flooring in order to create an even surface, while a handrail has been installed around the edge of the space.

Other features include benches, a shelter and an old-style post box as well as several large planters – which will be used for therapeutic activities on the ward, so that patients can grow their own plants and produce.

Warrington Guardian:

Ward manager Michelle Weekes said: “Our patients often ask if they can go outside to get some fresh air, but up until now this hasn’t been possible due to the health and safety risks of the old courtyard.

“The new courtyard will really enhance the ward environment, as well as providing a therapeutic space to stimulate the sensory needs of our service users while promoting positive mental and physical wellbeing.”

Warrington Wolves captain Chris Hill and full-back Stefan Ratchford paid a visit to the North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust-run hospital on Thursday, May 2, in order to declare the new courtyard officially open.

Warrington Guardian:

North West Boroughs chief executive Simon Barber added: “We are confident that this new and improved outdoor space addresses the recommendations made by the Care Quality Commission.

“It is not just a huge improvement to the look and feel of the courtyard, it also provides a much safer space for our patients and carers to relax in.”