The first phase of the master plan to modernize Scotland’s Royal Edinburgh Hospital campus involved the creation of a state-of-the-art mental health facility, guided by extensive consultation with staff, patients, and the public.
Challenge
The challenge was to deliver a major mental health facility within a live hospital environment while maintaining services across multiple buildings on campus. The design needed to consolidate a broad range of mental health services while creating spaces that foster recovery, dignity, and access to nature.
Solution
The 185-bed facility accommodates adult acute mental health inpatient services, Intensive Psychiatric Care Services, the Robert Fergusson National Brain Injury Unit, and older people’s mental health assessment and treatment services. Locating all wards at ground level provides direct access to safe and secure landscaped courtyards that support therapeutic rehabilitation and patient wellbeing.
Outcome
The first phase of the project begins the rationalization of NHS services previously delivered across multiple sites and facilities. Improved vehicle, pedestrian, and cycle access, combined with structured landscape zones, enhance the campus environment, while smart demand-driven controls maximize energy efficiency and support long-term sustainability and operational performance.
All 185 patient bedrooms are located at ground level, providing direct access to secure outdoor spaces that support recovery and therapeutic rehabilitation.
