Revolutionizing Learning Disability Care at Aspen Wood
Aspen Wood signifies a significant investment in mental healthcare, providing bespoke Low Secure Environments for challenging service users with learning disabilities requiring forensic NHS care. This 40-bed specialist learning disability hospital, spanning 4,366m2 on Maghull Health Park in Liverpool, reflects a major redesign of the service, care environments, and the overall approach to learning disability care by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Addressing Complex Needs with Simple Interiors
The facility’s interior design embraces simplicity with a focus on natural light, muted colours, and neurodiversity-aware surfaces. The facility features two flexible 20-bed wards, subdivided into 5-bed clusters, emphasising activity-based therapies and sensory design. Immersive therapy rooms, contemplation areas, music therapy zones, and gyms seamlessly integrate into this innovative design, enhancing the overall therapeutic experience.
Award winning patient-centric spaces
On the ground floor, a central café fosters engagement and rehabilitation. First-floor areas, exclusively for staff, provide welfare spaces, admin support, and team bases. The wards, Hodder and Mitton, which along with the café, were named by service users, showcase Mersey Care’s long standing commitment to co-production. Aspen Wood was designed with extensive input from service users and includes public art, gardens, and open spaces. The facility aims to support some of the most complex NHS patients, facilitating their progression through services and reducing the length of stay. The project’s success is evident in the prestigious Clinicians Choice Award at the November 2023 Building Better Healthcare Awards. Additionally, it received high commendations at the Design in Mental Health Awards and the Sefton Best Public Building Awards 2023.
Partnering to fight risk
Hygenius played a pivotal role in providing safe interiors at for Aspen Wood by providing mental healthcare FF&E. Collaborating with Gilling Dod and IHP, we provided a solution to the trusts needs through robust furniture that helps fight the risk of mental health hospitals. Contributions include anti-ligature furniture for patient bedrooms, ADL kitchens, breakout areas, and the café. This collaboration enabled the creation of safe and homely environments for patients with complex needs in Liverpool and the surrounding area.
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