Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit in Northampton upgraded to improve quality of care
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), East Midlands Alliance partner, has reopened an in-patient ward for people needing intensive mental health support after a major renovation was completed to provide a safer environment to improve quality of patient care.
Marina psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU), at Berrywood Hospital in Northampton, was in need of an upgrade to ensure staff could provide safe and high-quality patient care in the best possible environment.
The 12-month improvement project has created a more open, homely and welcoming environment, with refurbished patient bedrooms, a new open-plan living and dining area, an accessible bathroom and better access to relaxation and de-escalation facilities.
New safety features including the removal of blind spots and all fixtures and fittings meeting anti-ligature requirements. The Marina ward team were involved throughout the refurbishment process, helping to shape the look and feel of the unit, as well as the safety improvements.
Adam Smith, Director of Mental Health at NHFT, said: "This renovation has created a significantly improved environment at Marina for both our service users and our colleagues, and it's great to hear some of the positive feedback about the difference it is making."
Marina PICU Ward Matron Misodzi Gwenamo says that the newly refurbished unit has made a big difference to both patients and staff - with the more open layout helping to create a positive environment for care. 
"It has become more open, much more visible and less restrictive. It gives you that therapeutic feel," Misodzi says.
"Before, we had lots of walls and windows, but now our dining area is much more open and we have new furniture now too. The staff are happy, as it makes their job easier, and patients have commented a lot about how much they like the environment."