A brand-new, purpose-built mental health unit has officially opened at Dorothy Pattison Hospital, marking a significant milestone in how older adult mental health care is delivered across the Black Country.

The unit, which replaces the outdated Bloxwich Hospital, offers a safer, more dignified, and recovery-focused environment for older adults with dementia and functional mental health conditions. Patients have started moving in this week, with staff ensuring a smooth transition to the modern new space.

A Major Investment in Older Adult Mental Health Care

This £24.3 million investment represents the most significant upgrade to specialist mental health services for older adults in Walsall and the Black Country in a generation. The new unit provides:

  • Private en-suite rooms – enhancing privacy, dignity, and infection control.
  • Therapy and activity spaces – supporting rehabilitation and engagement.
  • Light-filled communal areas – creating a calm, home-like environment.
  • A dedicated assisted bathroom – designed for patients with mobility challenges.
  • Purpose-built palliative care facilities – ensuring high-quality end-of-life support.

As the need for older adult mental health services continues to grow, Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been working to strengthen community-based support while ensuring that, when inpatient care is required, it is delivered in a modern, therapeutic setting.

Dr Prasana, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, highlighted the transformative impact of the new unit:

“This purpose-built facility represents a huge step forward in the way we care for older adults with mental health conditions. The improved environment with en-suite rooms, therapy spaces, and thoughtfully designed ward layouts will help us provide care that prioritises dignity, compassion, comfort, and recovery. For staff, working in a modern, well-equipped space will make an enormous difference in how we deliver safe, high-quality care.”

A New Era for Mental Health Services in Walsall

This is part of a wider transformation of older adult services across the Black Country. Over the last few years, we have focused on developing community-based support, helping people remain independent for as long as possible. But when hospital care is required, the new Dorothy Pattison Older Adult Unit will ensure that patients receive it in a facility designed specifically to meet their needs.

Lisa Knott, Functional Ward Manager, reflected on what this means for staff and patients:

“I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our staff in delivering holistic care, even when working in a challenging environment. As we move to our forever home at Dorothy Pattison Hospital, we will continue to ‘keep making a difference’ – and this new setting will enhance our ability to maintain patients’ independence and wellbeing.”

Further Investment in Older Adult Services

The Trust continues to invest in improving inpatient care across the region. The refurbishment of Edward Street Hospital (ESH) is due to be completed this summer, ensuring even more patients have access to high-quality mental health care in modernised facilities.

Media Coverage & Further Information

The opening of the new unit has received extensive media coverage, showcasing the impact of this development on patients, staff, and the wider community.

ITV Central News and BBC Midlands Today both featured the story in their evening broadcasts. BBC WM interviewed Sadie Bond, a staff member with 35 years of service at Bloxwich Hospital, about the transition to Dorothy Pattison Hospital. Hits Radio featured an interview with Ann Detheridge, Lead Consultant Psychologist, discussing the therapeutic benefits of the new setting.

You can read more about it here:

The Trust will continue to share updates about the new unit and its impact on patient care. Keep an eye on our channels for more information.

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