Jubilee House gets a new lease of life

Work is currently taking place to transform the Jubilee House site in Cosham to welcome Solent rehabilitation outpatients this autumn from the Queen Alexandra Hospital.

Involved in the project, Kevin Walls, Estates Architect, and Sally Frost, Musculoskeletal (MSK) Operation Lead at Solent, share their insights into all the work being done to create an environment dedicated to great care for patients and a quality workplace for members of Solent NHS Trust.

Kevin

Kevin says: “My role is to help shape the brief and design with the service, and communicate that to our design team and builder. The work is now on site and my job with colleagues from Estates is to answer contractor questions, linking with the service, and to monitor cost, quality and progress.” 

Historic site

Kevin is very aware that the building has an interesting history. He reveals: “Jubilee House sits within a conservation area which protects the future of its external appearance and grounds. The site was once a farm and the original 18th century farmhouse still survives (the two-storey part of the building). In 1934, Jubilee House became a home for ‘the aged, infirm and blind’ (photo from Portsmouth News).”

The building has some of the features from its previous uses such as cellars, a built-in wall safe, and signs.

The team even found old newspaper (dated 1960) used as packing behind door frames, from a previous refurbishment.

Kevin says they are now in the process of replacing most of the windows – which was agreed with the conservation team at the local authority. Kevin says: “Budget is always at the front of our thoughts, particularly when dealing with old buildings. With this consideration in mind, we have been able to deliver a modern functional building for many years to come.”

Kevin admits that working on this project has been unique with its own challenges and opportunities. “It’s a lovely old building and is wonderful to inject new life into it for its continued healthcare use. Teamwork has been fantastic which makes for enjoyable and successful projects."

Sally

Sally has worked in the Portsmouth MSK service since 2009, looking after predominately the physiotherapy service, which includes MSK hydrotherapy, pelvic health and adolescent patients. Sally also supports her colleagues in Southampton MSK service and persistent pain services.

Peaceful and private environment

Sally is excited about how this change will impact the patient experience. She says: “Jubilee House will be off the Queen Alexandra site meaning the arrival for patients will not be so daunting as found in larger hospital sites with onsite parking. The grounds of Jubilee House are also very tranquil and will promote a calm environment for patients to engage in rehabilitation outside and not just in our gym facilities. Being newly refurbished will also make the area feel fresh and offer the most modern patient environment possible.

“To have an environment surrounded by green grass and trees will boost the supportive health and wellbeing agenda Solent prides itself on.”

There will be a group room area that will help facilitate both staff education and patient groups, ranging from obstetrics to pain management. Consulting rooms will also be available to all clinicians, ensuring privacy and dignity for patients.

Sally admits: “Jubilee House will allow our MSK teams to come together. We can re-evaluate some of our working practices so we can continually improve; ensuring there is effective teamwork with all clinical and admin staff.”

Some of the rooms are going to be dedicated to our pelvic health specialists, ensuring the rooms have a range of specialist equipment in them and complete privacy.

The move allows for more synergy and Sally is pleased to have a space that considers all staff and improving patient experience. “Both our physiotherapists and specialist physiotherapists will be working more closely, enhancing communication and interaction. Our admin teams will have more dedicated space to help them be in one place and feel a strong sense of togetherness.”

Jubilee House has amazing outdoor space with potential. Sally says: “The outside space gives us the chance to increase our functional rehabilitation and, in time, look at developing the space to provide outdoor rehabilitation facilities.”

We are looking forward to delivering accessible, high-quality rehabilitative care in the community from this location.

 

Watch this space and for more updates on Jubilee House on our website and social media channels.