Working with Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Situated in central Lancashire, Ribblemere Perinatal Unit transforms a once-dated space into a purpose-designed haven for mothers and babies, integrating art and interior design as essential components of mental health care.
Client
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Location
Chorley, Lancashire
Value
£1,500,000
THE PROJECT
Ribblemere aims to redefine inpatient mental health treatment for new mothers. The unit provides specialised support for women at high risk of severe mental health conditions during the perinatal period, including post-partum psychosis.
The aim is to provide mothers with a nurturing environment where they can receive treatment and recover whilst still developing crucial relationships and bonds with their babies.
OUR APPROACH
Built on the site of a previously rundown office space within an operational hospital, we overcame significant constraints to deliver a tailored therapeutic environment. Through a unified vision and collaborative effort, the team transformed the existing facility into an uplifting space while adhering to a strict budget.
WHAT WE DID
The new unit features an eight-bed mother and baby-facility. Designed after extensive user engagement, the facility’s interior design centres on themes of rivers, meadows, and natural landscapes. Bespoke artworks commissioned from artist Stella Corrall enrich the unit's healing atmosphere.
THE IMPACT
The active participation of both clinical staff and mothers with lived experiences in the project's planning and execution has led to a transformative mental health treatment environment.
The overwhelmingly positive response to the finished unit confirms its pivotal role in perinatal mental health care.
Awards & accolades
Altro Design
Recognition Award (Highly commended) 2019
“The thought and hard work that has gone into Ribblemere MBU is nothing less than amazing. The whole service has been coproduced with mums with lived experience - from the artwork and design right through to the recruitment of staff.
I'm so proud of this facility and everyone involved in making it happen. It is going to make such as positive difference to so many lives."
