The new unit, which will be based at the Norton Lea site on London Road, is being built by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) and will include a new 19-bed mixed-gender adult inpatient ward. The new ward will replace the outdated dormitory style accommodation on the existing Ward 12 at Pilgrim Hospital. Alan Pattison, LPFT’s Programme Lead, said: “Being part of breaking ground really brought home that construction of the new centre is commencing. This is a hugely exciting milestone for LPFT and a great opportunity to celebrate all the work it has taken to get to this point.” Breaking ground is an important construction milestone which publicly marks the start of building work on site.

The build is part of a wider national programme to improve mental healthcare services, which also include the new £25m development in Lincoln where two new adult inpatient wards have been built. Kevin Lockyer, Trust Chair, added: “I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to get us to this stage. The creation of the new ward will improve privacy and dignity standards for people who use our services. “The building has been co-designed with our Experts by Experience, healthcare professionals and construction experts, so we are confident we will create a therapeutic space for those who receive care from us.” Feedback from patients, carers and staff has been used to help shape the plans for the site as part of LPFT’s ‘Building Together’ programme.