A modern dementia ward refurbished by Brymor Construction has been officially opened at Gosport War Memorial Hospital.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and Mayor of Gosport performed the honours at the Poppy Ward in front of patients, staff, carers, guests and supporters.
Brymor Construction was represented by Managing Director Mark Dyer, Group Business Development Director Paula Bradly, Project Manager Peter Shevill and Assistant Site Manager Adam Foley.
Staff at the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust facility will provide care for older people with mental health illnesses, such as dementia.
It marked the completion of the first phase of a refurbishment project by Brymor at the hospital.
Now the company is due to start work to breathe new life into Rose Ward, an acute mental health ward.
Stephen Morton, Brymor chairman, said: “It was tremendous to see Poppy Ward open.
“It was an honour for us as a company to be entrusted with such an important refurbishment project which will make such a difference to the lives of older people.
“We have a wealth of experience in the healthcare sector and ensure the needs of staff, patients and visitors are paramount at all times.
“We’re now looking forward to the second phase of this excellent project.”
Nigel Atkinson, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, and Gosport Mayor Cllr Mark Hook cut a ribbon to perform the official opening.
The ward was designed with the help of patients, carers and families to create dementia friendly spaces and features – including bright colours for different parts of rooms.
It has 14 ensuite rooms, therapeutic space, a de-escalation room and activities centre.
Brymor’s initial works included demolition of blockwork internal walls and the removal of MF solid ceilings, furniture, fixtures and equipment, sanitaryware, mechanical and electrical services and all floor coverings.
Its fit-out and reconfiguration comprised the new bedrooms with en-suites, communal areas, lounges, dining room, assisted bathrooms and clinical areas.
The main works also incorporated new underground drainage walls and ceilings, a new air handling system, new windows and bespoke doors.
Brymor also provided the full dementia care system including designed finishes, colour schemes and signs as well as nurse call and panic and fire alarm systems.
Brymor understands the complexities of working in the healthcare sector.
It has a health specific team dedicated to delivering high quality in all health facility environments.
Its team remains flexible, considerate and focussed on cleanliness whilst working efficiently and in a manner which ensures that the needs of staff, patients and visitors are considered at all times.
Find out more here and visit the Portsmouth News website here to see pictures and video from the opening ceremony.