DeStim Wards

Stockport, Ashton – under- Lyne and Rochdale, Greater Manchester

Client: Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
Value: £ 1.5 Million

FWP’s specialist mental health team has worked with Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust to design and deliver DeStim environments at three hospitals across the North West – Norbury Ward at Stepping Hill Hospital, Tatton Ward at Tameside General Hospital and Birch Hill Hospital in Rochdale.

Designed to support people experiencing acute psychological distress, agitation or sensory overload, DeStim spaces provide calm, low-sensory environments where individuals can safely de-escalate and regulate away from the pressures of a busy clinical setting.

FWP provided full architectural and building services, including M&E, working closely with clinical teams to transform and repurpose existing spaces. The projects incorporated en-suite facilities, therapy spaces, observation areas, kitchens and secure external gardens, tailored to the needs of each ward.

Specialist safety measures, including anti-ligature fittings and anti-barricade doors, were incorporated throughout to create secure environments for both service users and staff.

The projects support the Trust’s ambition to provide more therapeutic care and reduce reliance on restrictive interventions, placing patient wellbeing, dignity and safety at the heart of the design.