Mount Gould Local Care Centre has been ‘Highly Commended’ at this year’s Government Property Awards 2024.
The award ceremony which took place in London on 24 September brought together colleagues from across central government departments and their associated organisations and recognised individuals and team efforts from across the industry with a range of award categories.
The Mount Gould project was shortlisted in the ‘Collaboration’ category, between Community Health Partnerships (CHP) and NHS Property Services (NHSPS). We were joined by colleagues from NHSPS and NHS England in collecting the award.
Faced with limited capital funding for its ageing estate, the NHS requires innovative solutions to maximise existing facilities and support crucial healthcare priorities, such as the recovery of elective and primary care services and the delivery of place-based care. The Mount Gould Local Care Centre (LCC) project demonstrates how strategic master planning and cross-sector collaboration can revitalise NHS services, delivering tangible benefits for patients and staff.
Mount Gould campus, jointly managed by DHSC owned property companies, NHS Property Services (NHSPS) and Community Health Partnerships (CHP), presented a unique challenge. Each organisation had separate budgets and priorities, which could have led to fragmented decision-making and project delays. The site was underutilised, with a specialist neuro-rehabilitation team operating from an outdated building, while modern spaces were occupied by administrative functions. This misalignment hindered service delivery and patient care.
Recognising the need for change a collaborative steering group was formed consisting of CHP, NHSPS, working together with NHS Devon ICB, Livewell Southwest, ReSound Health, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and NHS England to embark on a collaborative master-planning exercise. This comprehensive review assessed the current utilisation of all buildings, explored opportunities for improvement, fostered a shared vision and aligned financial and operational objectives of all stakeholders.
As a result, a £6.9m CHP capital investment has seen Plym Neuro Rehabilitation service relocated from an old building into a state of the art modern facility that is better suited to their needs. Upon completion, this new setting will significantly enhance patient care and increase capacity and productivity.
Moreover, the nearby Beauchamp Centre was repurposed for podiatry and orthotics. This £2.2 million refurbishment, partially funded by NHSPS’ capital recycling scheme, has involved structural changes and optimised the use of an existing building. The Podiatry and Orthotics team can now provide over 170 appointments per day, exceeding expectations.
Further work is also being considered with Two administrative buildings are being evaluated for potential disposal or repurposing to support key worker accommodation, further maximising the sites value.
It is hoped that 20,000 patients will benefit from the modernised facilities in a central location with enhanced accessibility for patients.
The Mount Gould project is a testament to the power of collaboration. The partnership between NHSPS and CHP working alongside key NHS and private sector partners fostered a shared vision, streamlined decision-making, and ensured the project’s success. This collaborative approach not only transformed the Mount Gould site but also serves as a model for future NHS estate optimisation projects.
We're incredibly proud to receive the Highly Commended award at this year's Government Property Awards. The Mount Gould project is a testament to what can be achieved when NHS and local partners collaborate with a shared vision, transforming estate facilities into modern, accessible spaces that enable better care and improved outcomes for thousands of patients. This recognition validates the hard work of everyone involved and inspires us to continue pushing boundaries in NHS estate optimisation.
The Mount Gould Local Care Centre project shows how effective collaboration can lead to creative solutions to develop a modern, optimised estate that supports high-quality healthcare services for the long term. Congratulations to all involved with the project on their well-deserved award.
Mount Gould LCC project
The project is set to complete in early 2025 and scheduled to open to patients in April 2025.
Optimising Estates through Partnership Working
The relocation of the Plym Neurological Service to Mount Gould LCC and the reconfiguration of the Hospital Estate demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services in a modern and efficient environment. This project exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in the healthcare sector.
