Royal Preston Hospital rehabilitation unit opens to support patients recovering from mental health conditions

The Skylark Centre will deliver care that enables people to regain the confidence and skills to carry out the typical activities of daily living.

Patients who have been in hospital for a long period of time receiving treatment for their condition can sometimes lose some of the skills of day-to-day life.

Once they begin to recover from their illness, the Trust’s rehabilitation service provides support to rebuild abilities such as cooking, cleaning, laundry care and shopping.

The team also helps patients to work towards returning to employment after they leave hospital, by supporting them with vocational courses.

David Simmons, associate partner and interior designer at Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) who coordinated the interior design of the Skylark Centre, said: “One of our main aims was to improve the patient experience. We’ve done that through thoughtful modern design and the use of colour and light to create a calming and peaceful atmosphere.

“There’s a woodland theme running through much of the work, which gives an added air of tranquillity and a spacious feel to the whole area.

“We think we’ve delivered something special, which is far removed from people’s traditional view of a hospital unit.”

Lorraine McDonald-Johnson, Care Group Manager for Transformation in Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust’s Mental Health Network said: “We’re delighted to be able to provide this vital rehabilitation service within the Lancashire and South Cumbria area.

“Supporting the practical road to recovery and helping to build confidence following a mental health condition is just as important as providing care and medication to treat the illness.

“Our team at the Skylark Centre will help patients begin the journey back to an independent life with improved wellbeing.”

The new facility will initially support male patients.