Overview
There are stark health differences in Plymouth, with a gap of 8.2 years in the life expectancy from the most to the least deprived areas.
During a review into Mount Gould Hospital, NHSPS, Community Health Partnerships (CHP) and NHS Devon ICB found that the buildings across the estate weren’t being used to their full potential. Clinical services were being delivered from dilapidated buildings and admin services were in more modern, clinically suited spaces.
We worked with CHP, NHS Devon ICB and occupants Livewell, to develop a strategy to make more efficient use of the buildings on the 16-acre site. The project included relocating several services into more appropriate spaces and refurbishing the space into modern, fit for purpose clinical environments. We helped NHS Devon ICB and Livewell navigate the system to unlock funding, negotiate the lease and deliver an overall efficient estate solution.
Impact
- Patient impact: 20,000 patients in the local area will benefit from the re-location of Orthotics and Podiatry services and Plymouth Neuro-Rehabilitation service. They can now receive care in more suitable, fit-for-purpose environments to deliver better health outcomes. Not only that, but more patients can be seen. For example, the Podiatry and Orthotics team can provide more than 170 appointments per day, far exceeding their expectations of the relocation and refurbishment.
- Improved accessibility: The Local Care Centre is much closer to the car park which is a very important consideration for users as many had relatives or carers that would assist them. NHSPS also provided more dedicated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders. We ensured there was level access to the new main entrance and reception areas and more accessible WCs.
- More efficient use of estate: Across the entire Mount Gould estate, all main purpose-built and repurposed areas are now used for their intended clinical use, with vacant space optimised, delivering significant value to NHS Devon ICB and Livewell. Admin facilities have moved out of high-quality clinical space, making much more efficient use of the estate.
