Refurbished ward re-opens at Hereford's Stonebow Unit (From Hereford Times)

Refurbished ward re-opens at Hereford's Stonebow Unit

3:40pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in Health

HEREFORD’S Stonebow Unit has undergone a £380,000 refurbishment project.

The Cantilupe ward at the specialist mental health unit was officially re-opened last Thursday by Baroness Fritchie, chairman of 2gether NHS Foundation Trust.

As a result of the refurbishment, patients now have a bathroom adjacent to the bed bays and the side rooms have full en-suite facilities.

Improvements have also been made to the layout of the ward, giving patients more space and removing the focus away from the main ward entrance.

With new floors and complete redecoration the ward is now on a par with the other wards in the unit.

The changes are designed to increase the privacy, dignity and safety of patients by providing single sex accommodation.

Baroness Fritchie said patients, carers and staff put forward their ideas and suggestions which contributed to the final design of the refurbishment.

She added: “I would also like to thank patients, their relatives and friends for their tolerance, cooperation and patience while the works were being carried out.

“I would especially like to pay tribute to our staff who have worked hard to ensure that, despite the disruption, our patients have received a consistent service.”

A tea party was held to celebrate the re-opening of the ward, with cakes and tea dance music enjoyed by everyone in attendance.