Plans to open a new mental health hub for people in a North Yorkshire town will come under the spotlight at a meeting next week.
Patients and carers supported by the Trust’s adult and children community teams across Harrogate are invited to attend and have their say in the design of the building.
“We will be presenting our vision for the future of services, and we’d like people to come and share their opinions,” said director of estates, facilities and capital Simon Adamson.
“This is a unique opportunity to influence what the new hub will look and feel like. We would love to see as many carers and service users at the meeting as possible.”
Vision for the future
The Trust’s community teams in Harrogate are currently split across three sites – Windsor House, Dragon Parade and Jennyfield Health Centre.
However, Dragon Parade has been deemed as no longer fit for purpose and Windsor House has issues with location and setting – prompting the Trust to launch a search for a new base.
“We picked Jesmond House, in Victoria Avenue, as the site of our new hub as it will offer a much-improved environment and experience for patients, carers and staff,” said Simon.
“Now we have to focus on getting the clinic and waiting areas right, which is why we would really appreciate the comments of patients and carers.
“We want to know what makes people feel comfortable. Whether that is the colour of the walls, the paintings or posters we use, or if people would like to watch TV while they wait.
“We really do value people’s input on these issues.”
Looking to the future
Jesmond House, which is next to Harrogate’s Jobcentre Plus, has been used by adult social care staff working for the council for the past few years.
The meeting to discuss plans to fully redesign the building as a new hub will be held at Harrogate Cricket Club, St George’s Road, Harrogate, on May 13, from 1.30pm to 4pm.
The main priorities of the meeting will include seeking suggestions from patients and carers relating to:
- What to do with the entrance/reception area. How would people like to see it designed to make it more comfortable/restful etc.
- Suggestions for a new name for the building.
- What would people like to see in the new waiting areas? How could we make them more comfortable, more welcoming.
The redevelopment will be funded by the Capital Programme, with support from the local integrated care board. It is hoped that the new hub will open in the spring of next year.
“Please come along and have a chat. We can tell you all about what we are doing, and we can answer – or track down the answer – to any questions you might have,” said Simon.
“We also want people to know that, although Jesmond House will be our new hub, our services will still be going out into the community and services will continue at Jennyfield as well.”
