Tilbury Douglas has completed the refurbishment and extension of Blossomwood (formerly Millbrook mental health unit) for Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust at King’s Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The project involved the redevelopment of an existing mental health facility for older people, delivered within a live hospital environment while maintaining care services for vulnerable patients.
The works replaced outdated dormitory-style accommodation with single en-suite bedrooms, alongside the creation of low-stimulus environments designed for patients living with dementia.
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Flexible care spaces were also introduced as part of the redevelopment, supporting current clinical approaches to older people’s mental health care.
New build extensions were delivered alongside the refurbishment works, supporting the Trust’s wider plans to develop a Centre of Excellence for Mental Health Services for Older People.
Dementia-friendly door developed through collaborative design process
A key feature of the project was the development of a dementia-friendly door, designed to address a gap in existing product availability for specialist mental health environments.
The solution was developed through collaboration between Tilbury Douglas, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, a specialist joinery contractor and a door supplier. The team produced a prototype which was tested and subsequently installed on site.
According to the contractor, the design has the potential for wider application across mental health estates in the UK following its successful deployment at Blossomwood.
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The refurbishment was delivered while the unit remained operational, requiring careful planning and coordination to maintain safety and continuity of care.
Chris Loach, Regional Director – East Midlands at Tilbury Douglas, said: “We are really proud to have collaborated with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust on this scheme.
“It demanded not only technical excellence, but genuine empathy, collaboration and understanding of the constraints of working within a live mental health environment. The team have created a safer, more therapeutic environment, without ever losing sight of the people at the heart of it.”
NHS Trust highlights improved therapeutic environment for older people’s care
Glenn McFaden, Capital Services Manager at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted with this project. The end result is a facility that provides a calm, therapeutic environment that will help us provide key services within Older Peoples Care today and in the future.”
