What Staff and Service Users have to say
Read what Park House staff and service users as well as healthcare leaders have to say about the new North Manchester Development:
We are incredibly proud to say that North View will be the first all-electric mental health unit in the country. Sustainability and the environment is a huge national agenda, and is something we have been striving to support through the delivery of this project, which can have a significant impact on the health of our communities.
It’s extremely important that we do all we can to support this through the design, build and future operation of our new mental health unit for North Manchester.
Through renewable energy, innovative technology and sustainable materials, we will be able to manage and optimise energy usage and significantly reduce our carbon footprint; whilst maintaining a comfortable, therapeutic environment for our patients, visitors and staff.
- Marc Reed, Associate Director of Capital, Estates and Facilities at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH)
I was honoured to attend the topping out ceremony and see first-hand the progress that has been made on this state-of-the-art mental health inpatient unit. It is fantastic to see the building taking shape, giving an insight into the life-changing development it is going to become.
This is more than just a building – it will be a unique healthcare setting that will benefit and serve the local community for years to come. The project is close to the hearts of those involved, including service users, carers and clinicians who have supported decisions on the design of the building so that we can deliver the best possible care for patients. It’s a massive investment for our local communities and I’m looking forward to it being fully up and running.
- Andrew Maloney, GMMH’s Deputy Chief Executive
This is a significant investment to transform the inpatient experience for our patients, their families and staff in North Manchester; with vital support and funding from the Department of Health & Social Care. We’ve already made great progress, and we cannot wait to open our doors in autumn 2024.
We are very grateful to our amazing staff, service user representatives and our partners, Integrated Health Projects, who have worked so hard to turn this vision into a reality
- Suzanne Robinson, Chief Finance Officer of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH),
It was a pleasure to visit North View and see how our funding is supporting the construction of this state-of-the art mental health unit.
This new facility will provide an appropriate space where people experiencing severe mental illness in the region can receive the care they need. With spacious bedrooms, en-suite shower rooms, gardens and areas for therapeutic work, it will undoubtedly help save and improve lives and support both patients and their loved ones.
North View represents our commitment to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the nation. We’re investing an extra £2.3 billion a year by March 2024 to expand and transform services like this so two million more people get vital support across the country.
- Rt Hon. Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
I was in Park House as an inpatient and they helped me through a lot of issues. I enjoy being involved with this project as I want to help and give back the support I received whilst being a patient at Park House.
The current unit needs to be redeveloped to provide better facilities for patients. The new facility will provide a better level of care and nice surroundings will help to create a positive atmosphere and be more welcoming.
- Danny, Former service user at Park House
Being in Park House really helped me and I made good friends. Many patients say that the current Park House unit is too intimidating.
The designs for the new Park House development look much more homely and welcoming. I’d like to see a bigger garden space with nicer plants, flowers and possibly an outdoor gym space. The new Park House development will provide a much nicer place to be an inpatient and to volunteer at.
- Charlie, Former service user at Park House
Your experience depends on who's in your dormitory. It'd be nice to have more shower rooms. Some people spend a while in the shower, meaning you have to wait a long time.
I'd also love more space to watch television - it can be frustrating fighting over seats!
- Anna, Service User, Park House
The new standard is single rooms with an en-suite - this would be my number one priority.
During the day, there's nowhere to go really. I'd like to see a games room, a library and an IT room where people can learn digital skills.
I'd also like a nice foyer, a cafe, a shop where you could buy newspapers and a lecture room for staff.
- Michael, Service User, Park House
I’m really looking forward to the new development. I’ve looked at the plans in the display room and I think it’ll be so beneficial for service users to have a bright modern room that gives them a private space.
The staff at Park House are so supportive and there’s a real sense of community so this new building will give us all a boost in our working environment.
- Sonia, Occupational Therapist Assistant
I decided to come back as a Peer Mentor because I really liked the empathy of the staff and the way they worked together, even in a difficult environment. But unfortunately, the difficult environment had a really negative impact on my stay.
- Nicola Dalton, Former Service User and Peer Mentor
We've become used to working in discomfort at Park House.
All members of staff here are so passionate and supportive that we make it work. But there's a constant underlying pressure as a result of the facilities. Imagine what that energy could be spent on with better facilities!
- Sheila Hill, Former Inpatient Manager at Park House
At the moment, the layout of the building is a challenge.
We need a building that feels like a hub, rather than a hospital. A place that is therapeutic outside and in.
This'll aid recovery and help destigmatise mental health in the community.
- Nigel Hird, Former Park House Operations Manager
As a service user, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support.
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