£2.7 million revamp of historic hospital unveiled (From York Press)

£2.7 million revamp of Bootham Park Hospital unveiled

8:44am Friday 13th May 2011 in News By Dan Bean , dan.bean@thepress.co.uk

A £2.7 million refurbishment – including a sculpture from a local artist – has been unveiled at an historic York hospital.

Local television personality Harry Gration joined metalwork artist John Walker, staff and service users at Bootham Park Hospital for the official reopening of wards one and two yesterday.

Refurbishment to the wards in the Grade I-listed building began in April 2009.

The improvements have created a 14-bed woman and mother-and-baby unit, as well as a 16-bed male ward.

The sculpture, a collection of solid oak leaves in the form of a balloon tree, was designed by Mr Walker, with input from staff and service users.

Mr Walker said: “Three designs were put forward and the one the staff and service users were most keen on was the balloon tree.

“The leaves come together to create a sculpture that represents hope and optimism. It promotes a sense of life, recovery and a positive future. The hands within the tree deliver a sense of freedom and fun, as well as resembling friendship and a coming-together of all that the tree represents.”

Jeff Whiley, mental health service manager at NHS North Yorkshire and York, said: “This has been an extensive refurbishment and we are delighted that it’s now finished and service users can now benefit from the improved facilities.

“This is also good for staff to be able to provide patient care in an improved clinical environment.

“Bootham Park is a very historic site and has been providing mental health care since the 18th century.

“We are very pleased that the refurbishment work has retained the essential character of this listed building.”