A new £46 million mental health and community facility in Irvine has secured an industry accolade.

The Woodland View at Ayrshire Central Hospital was handed first place in the 'Best Mental Health Design' category at the European Healthcare Design (EHD) awards 2017.

The multi-million pound facility opened it's doors in May 2016 after being built over the course of 20 months by Balfour Beatty.

The predominantly single-storey facility features 206 single en-suite bedrooms and is focused on delivering inpatient and outpatient mental health services for adults, including: rehabilitation, continuing care, addictions, and intensive psychiatric care. It also provides inpatient care for older people and those with complex needs.

Other highlights include a Sanctuary Chaplaincy area and some outpatient clinics and meeting rooms on the first level, as well as each ward having it's own external landscaped courtyard which allows patients, visitors and staff to enjoy the outdoors.

-- Advertisement --

Emma White, Studio Principal at IBI Group, the practice which designed the development, said: "We are delighted that Woodland View has received yet another award to highlight its successful design. The design supports the service user journey to recovery; building confidence, offering choice and paving the way for their transition home and into the community."

Hector Macaulay, Balfour Beatty's Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: "It's great to see that Woodland View has been so widely recognised for its innovative approach to healthcare design.

"Alongside NHS Ayrshire & Arran and architect partners, IBI Studio, we have developed a facility that not only allows for the best possible caring environment for both inpatients and outpatients, but delivers a calming atmosphere for visitors and staff alike."

John Wright, Director for Corporate Support Services - NHS Ayrshire & Arran, commented: "We are absolutely delighted that Woodland View has been recognised with this prestigious award.

"Thanks to the commitment and vision of our staff and construction and design partners, we have ensured that Woodland View is truly a first class building fit for the future which will provide care for the people of Ayrshire and Arran for generations to come.

"Our aim throughout the entire design and building process was to provide a therapeutic and healing environment where not only patients but visitors, staff and the local community could enjoy their surroundings. And we truly believe that Woodland View has delivered on this aim."

(LM/MH)