The investment is part of wider central funding for 10 major projects across England’s healthcare system amounting to £200 million in total. £25 million will go towards the John Howard Centre.
The John Howard Centre is a medium-secure Forensics service in Homerton, Hackney. It supports service users with their mental health from across North East London who are going through the criminal justice system. It provides services aiming to reduce the risk of reoffending, while providing psychiatric treatments and rehabilitation.
The John Warburton Building, which houses four inpatient wards at the John Howard Centre, has been chosen by Trust colleagues as the building to be renovated. This will include changes to the way that wards are laid out, helping to improve lines of sight and clinical observations. The funding will also go towards providing ensuite bathrooms, improving patient privacy and creating a safer environment for patients and staff.
Critical building infrastructure, including electrical systems, heating, ventilation and security systems will also be funded as part of the programme.
This improvement work has already commenced on Ludgate Ward. The three remaining wards (Aldgate, Broadgate and Moorgate) are planned to begin in the 2027/28 financial year, with full completion by 2028/29.
The aim of this investment is to withstand year-round pressure facing the NHS, making services more resilient and better equipped to care for patients. By tackling problems that can disrupt care, it will help staff provide treatment in safe, reliable facilities when demand is at its highest.
Commenting on the funding, Director of Estates, Facilities, and Capital Development, David Stevens, said: “The environment in which we provide care matters. It affects how safe people feel, how they are treated and the conditions in which our staff work every day.
“This investment is a practical expression of ELFT’s values of caring, respecting people and being inclusive. It also supports our new five-year strategy, particularly our commitment to improving the experience of care and creating the conditions in which our staff can do their best work.
“Respect also means providing an environment that protects people’s privacy and dignity. With this funding, we have an opportunity at the John Howard Centre to make lasting improvements for patients and staff, while making responsible use of a substantial public investment in our estate.”
You can read more about the announcement on the Department of Health and Social Care’s website.