Grand opening of new bespoke facility marks new era in patient care

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust has officially opened its newly refurbished facility at New Mill, Victoria Road, Saltaire, Bradford, providing a modern, purpose-built home for the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) – North Bradford.

The grand opening event took place earlier this week, marking a significant milestone in the Trust’s Smarter Spaces programme, which is transforming clinical and therapeutic environments across the district to ensure they are modern, safe and designed for high-quality care.

The ribbon was officially cut by Dr Sal Uka, Interim Chief Medical Officer, alongside staff, service users and partners who gathered to celebrate the move.

The relocation from Somerset House, Manor Lane, Shipley to New Mill provides staff, patients, and carers with a vastly improved environment that supports wellbeing, accessibility, and continuity of care. The new facilities feature:

• Modern, bespoke therapeutic spaces on a single accessible level
• Improved accessibility for patients and visitors
• Enhanced public transport links
• A safe, comfortable setting that supports high-quality care delivery

The relocation is a change of location only, meaning patients continue to receive care from the same dedicated North Bradford CMHT staff, ensuring continuity of support and relationships.

Eleanor Wilde, Programme Manager for Smarter Spaces at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, who led the relocation project, said: “The opening of the new facility at New Mill represents a major step forward in creating modern, therapeutic spaces that truly meet the needs of our patients and staff. Somerset House served the community well for many years, but the building was no longer suitable for the kind of care we aspire to deliver. New Mill offers a bright, accessible and sustainable space that supports both clinical excellence and staff wellbeing. It’s a fantastic example of how we’re future-proofing our estate to meet the evolving needs of our services.”

Simon Brady, Clinical Manager, Community Mental Health, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The team and our patients have already noticed a real difference. The new environment at New Mill is purpose-designed for mental health care – it’s calming, accessible and welcoming. Having everything on one level makes it easier for people to access the support they need, and the improved surroundings make a huge difference to how care feels. It’s a great step forward for everyone who uses or delivers our services.”

The relocation is part of a broader Trust initiative to modernise and enhance care environments across Bradford, ensuring services are sustainable and designed for the future. By investing in facilities, the Care Trust continues to strengthen its commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred mental health care for local communities.