Nightingale's largest Mental Health Project opens to critical acclaim

10 July 2008

Nightingale Associates confirmed their position as leading mental health architects with the opening of the prestigious £70 million hospital development for Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT).

The official ceremony of the ‘National Services for Mental Health – Birmingham’ was attended by former psychiatric nurse and comedian Jo Brand, and Rt. Hon. Alan Johnson, Secretary of State.

“This has been the biggest fight of my working life, upwards, downwards and outwards. Was it worth it? The results speak for themselves…Of course it was! For the first time in my career, I can honestly say that these facilities are good enough for my family and friends should they need them. I have never been able to say that before. We did it!”

Sue Turner, Chief Executive, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

The Trust praised Nightingale Associates in creating vibrant and uplifting new facilities which they believe will actively assist the recovery of the services users. Visitors were impressed by the carefully considered arrangement of the facilities, bold use of colour, naturally lit spaces and framed vistas to effortlessly guide them around the buildings.

“It is both a responsibility and a privilege to design environments that have a crucial role in actively assisting the treatment and recovery of people. After several years of hard work and many challenges, the Trust, Balfour Beatty and Nightingale Associates should be delighted that the buildings achieve new standards of excellence in the provision of mental health care services.”

Martha McSweeney, Lead Architect, Nightingale Associates

In recognition of her tireless dedication and enthusiasm for the project the Trust has named one of their two new galleries ‘McSweeney Gallery’ and in response Martha has created her own painting which hangs proudly in the space. The Trust also presented her with an award for an ‘Outstanding contribution towards Europe’s most prestigious mental healthcare development’.

Six 2.2m tall banners were produced documenting the timeline
of the scheme development

The Trust commissioned Nightingale Associates to produce a number of works to capture their extraordinary 11 year journey redesigning their mental health service. These pieces included personal reflections as well as the project highs and lows. Produced by James Newcombe, they created the main exhibition at the opening ceremony.

"Eating the Elephant" an enormous graphic displaying quotes from those involved with the project was also created for the opening event

Nightingale Associates will build on the success of this project by actively promoting their leadership in mental healthcare design.