The near completion of a new state-of-the-art centre for integrated health and social care in South Tyneside has been marked by a tree planting ceremony.
Dr Bob Brown of South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust and Cllr Tracey Dixon, Lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing, plant a tree at Haven Court to mark the development nearing competition
Work on the £9 million Haven Court in the grounds of South Tyneside District Hospital began in earnest last May and is set to open this summer.
It is being built by South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, on behalf of South Tyneside Council, to provide integrated health and social care services for older people, particularly those with dementia, and their carers and families, to enable them to live independently for as long as possible.
The Trust’s Executive Director, Nursing and Patient Safety, Dr Bob Brown, and Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing, planted a tree in the grounds, which are currently taking shape.
The layout and features of the external spaces at Haven Court have been designed as an extension of the building interior. Each area is different and the wide variety of features, such as seating and footpath routes, are aimed at encouraging patients and visitors to make the most of the external environment, whether for exercise or for reflection and privacy.
Generous areas of sensory planting, providing colour, texture, scent and, in the case of ornamental grasses, movement, add to the relaxing setting. Level changes and winding footpaths offer opportunities for exercise, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Dr Brown said: “It is very exciting to see the outside spaces coming together, signalling that Haven Court is nearing completion. The external environment is vitally important to a centre such as this. The therapeutic benefits of safe, attractive and carefully planned outside spaces, with the opportunities they provide for exercise, relaxation and fresh air, are well-known. They can help older people to maintain an active lifestyle and support their physical and emotional wellbeing.”
Haven Court’s services will include residential, day and respite care and rehabilitation. It will also offer information and advice and help to use technological aids to support independent living. Services at Haven Court will be provided by a range of partners including South Tyneside Council, South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Mental Health Trust as well as the Alzheimer’s Society and other third sector organisations.
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing, said: “We wanted innovative design to be a key feature of this development when we put out the tender so it is wonderful to see that unfold before our eyes.
“The gardens – and indeed the whole development – have been created with our ageing population in mind to encourage confidence and independence. By using the latest research and expertise, our older people and their families and carers can be assured of a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment at Haven Court.”
The decision to build Haven Court was taken in the light of South Tyneside’s ageing population. Currently, older people make up 18 per cent of the Borough’s population but this is estimated to rise to 21 per cent by 2021. By 2030, there is expected to be a 50 per cent rise in the cases of dementia and a 138 per cent increase among those aged over 90.
