A brand-new, state-of-the-art mental health ward for adults has officially opened in Boston, marking a major milestone in improving mental health care for local communities.
The 19‑bed unit at Norton Lea, London Road in Boston, run by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), replaces the former Ward 12 at Pilgrim Hospital. It is part of a programme to completely eliminate dormitory‑style accommodation across Lincolnshire’s mental health inpatient services.
The new building represents a major step forward in creating modern therapeutic environments, where people can recover with dignity, privacy and support. The ward which will be known as Havenside, provides everyone with access to individual ensuite bedrooms, bright and open shared spaces and lots of areas for therapeutic activities.
From the earliest design conversations to the finishing touches, the facility has been co-produced with people who have used mental health wards. This collaborative approach has enabled the Trust to create an environment that reflects what matters most to those who will use it. By actively involving service users throughout the process, the ward has been shaped to meet the needs and preferences of its future patients, ensuring that their voices are central to the development of the space.
Trust Chair, Kevin Lockyer, said: “Our Experts by Experience, patients, families and carers have influenced everything; from construction and layout to colour palettes and furniture. This is a space created with our communities, for our communities, and it will help people feel safe, supported and respected when they need it most.”
LPFT Chief Executive, Sarah Connery added: “We are absolutely delighted to open this new facility. It gives patients the dignity of their own private space, alongside modern therapeutic areas and outdoor access that we know can make a real difference during a difficult time. This is a significant step forward in improving inpatient mental health care in Lincolnshire.”
Liz, an Expert By Experience who played a part in the Building Together Focus Group said: “Being part of the Building Together Focus Group has been an immense pleasure and privilege. Having been a service user, it was exciting to be involved in helping to choose everything from wall colours to the type of bath needed.
“Havenside is a flagship of how mental health patients should be treated. With privacy and dignity there is so much more hope for recovery.”
As part of this project, the Trust has also been working with the University of Lincoln’s School of Creative Arts to create mindful and therapeutic artwork throughout the ward.
Rachel Baynton, Associate Professor in Performance, Arts and Cultural Production said: “At the University of Lincoln we’re leading work around arts-based approaches to wellbeing – connecting people to creativity and recovery. We are all so proud of this project – both the process and the finished work – and want to express our gratitude to the patients and staff at Boston Pilgrim, and to the young artists at Boston College for their input and artistry throughout.”
The new ward had its official opening this week with public tours made available to the local community to take a look around.
Patients will transfer across to the new environment over the coming weeks.
Communal Outdoor Courtyard at Norton Lea Healthcare facility
Communal Day Space at Norton Lea Healthcare facility
Exterior of the new Norton Lea Healthcare facility
