New £32m specialist mental health inpatient facility opens in Lancashire - this is what it's like

Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) has opened Water Meadow View - a state of the art inpatient facility for adults with a learning disability.

The purpose-built site is based in the green surroundings of Guild Park in Whittingham, Preston, and provides a safe, modern and therapeutic environment for adults aged 18 and over who are experiencing mental health challenges and require inpatient care.

Water Meadow View has been designed to meet the specific and often complex needs of people with a learning disability, offering person-centred, trauma-informed care delivered by a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team. The 14-bed service places a strong emphasis on dignity, and respect ensuring that people are supported in a way that is right for them.

Amy Shaw, Clinical Lead at Water Meadow View said: “Water Meadow View has been thoughtfully designed around the needs of people with a learning disability who are experiencing mental health difficulties. Our focus is on providing compassionate, person-centred and trauma-informed care in an environment where people feel safe, listened to and respected. We work closely with individuals, families and community services to ensure that every person receives the right support at the right time.

“Care at Water Meadow View is based on a holistic approach, recognising the importance of physical, emotional, social and environmental factors. The service is underpinned by positive behavioural support where cultural needs are recognised and respected.”

100 jobs

Water Meadow View has created more than 100 jobs and is staffed by a comprehensive multi-disciplinary team, including medical, nursing, psychological, therapy and peer support roles promoting patients to have choice and involvement in their care and treatment.

Chris Oliver, LSCFT Chief Executive, added: “The opening of Water Meadow View is a significant milestone for our Trust and for specialist learning disability mental health services. It is the first of its kind in our area, there is no other specialist NHS offer like this within Lancashire and South Cumbria at present. This investment reflects our commitment to improving care, reducing health inequalities.”

Dr Jenny Shankland, Associate Medical Director for Learning Disabilities, added: “We are ensuring that people with a learning disability can access high-quality, specialist mental health support in a modern and therapeutic setting. It is part of our future vision and commitment to bring people the support they need closer to home and their social connections, which we know is vitally important for those with mental health illnesses but in particular for those who also have a learning disability.”

Official opening details

Water Meadow View’s official opening ceremony will take place later this month and will be attended by the Mayor of Preston, NHS England and wider colleagues. Peer Support Workers and experts by lived experience who were involved in many aspects of the interior design including lighting choices, paint colours, artwork and menus will also be in attendance to cut the ribbon and unveil the naming plaque.