The opening of new £6.7 million, 11-room mental health facility in the Isle of Wight’s county town has moved a step closer after a ‘noise issue’ was resolved.
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust said the problem delayed the opening of the Newport Mental Health Hub at 62 High Street, on the site of a former HMV store.
Confidential spaces
Eleven treatment and therapy rooms will provide a confidential space for new referrals to be seen and confidential telephone calls and remote consultations.
The centre will also have large rooms for group work and community use as well as a community cafe.
An Isle of Wight NHS Trust spokesperson said,
“The opening of the new high street NHS facility was delayed to allow for necessary work to address a noise issue from the building’s external engineering services.
“The issue has now been resolved, with all agreed remedial works and noise testing completed.
“The Trust expects to take handover from the contractor within the next week, after which the facility will be transferred to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for use as planned.”
A ‘better patient and staff experience’
The Trust said the hub will allow for a ‘better patient and staff experience’ and improved accessibility with the option of late opening times.
It will also stop mental health care needs from ‘escalating’ and promote the sustainability and regeneration of the High Street.
Staff benefits
The facility has a range of benefits for staff including ‘co-located teams’ for easier joint work, shared case knowledge, a ‘new, contemporary working space’ and ‘accessible, modern facilities’, the Trust added.
Its plans were first unveiled in the summer of 2022, with a completion date previously set for the Spring of last year.
An exact opening date for the hub is yet to be announced.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
