Health \ Stratheden 24 Bed Dementia and Mental Health Unit

The proposal for this award-winning project was to provide a 24 bed low security dementia and mental health unit on the grounds of NHS Fife, Stratheden.

Patient accommodation is split into 2 wings for organic and functional groups of patients respectively, and is separated by a central service spine serving both groups.

In each wing there are 12 single bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms, located around an enclosed courtyard. The courtyards allow for easy and free access to the outside into a secured garden for both groups of patients. Approach to the building is via a foot path and vehicular road which runs around an existing sycamore tree in the middle of the site.

To the East side of the entrance is a rotunda which houses staff meeting, rest and consulting rooms. The rotunda accommodates non-patient areas and access for patients to this area is supervised.

The previously designed building on the adjacent site can be seen here...

The project won a RIBA Award in 2011. The judging panel commented on the "close co-operation" between client and nursing staff to produce a bright, contemporary environment designed to improve well-being and state of mind. Judges also felt the unit created a comfortable, calming accommodation within a light and welcoming environment.

George Cunningham, general manager of Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth community health partnership, said, "The Muirview Unit represents a significant step forward in the design and provision of facilities for people experiencing mental health problems."