Work has begun on a £4.2 million development at a private psychiatric hospital near York.

The 48-week project at Stockton Hall Hospital involves the construction of two new ward blocks to replace existing wards, a new security lodge, and the creation of a secure courtyard.

Each block will contain two wards, with each ward encompassing 16 en-suite bedrooms.

The blocks will also have their own communal spaces for dining, a recreation lounge, therapy facilities, private meeting rooms, and smoking lounges.

The new security lodge and associated works will create a secure courtyard with one point of entry, thus providing a more impregnable hospital.

The contract for this stage of a £7 million investment programme has been awarded to Yorkshire-based construction group Roberts, which will be completing all these works within the existing medium security psychiatric hospital and with close proximity to existing ward blocks.

"Close client liaison is therefore imperative to the success of the contract," said a Roberts spokesman.

"The project is yet another opportunity for Roberts to display its ability to work in an operational and secure environment with minimum disruption. The company has worked closely with the client on this contract in the development of bespoke safety and security procedures."

The company is already working with the owners of Stockton Hall, the General Healthcare Group, on a £2.5 million extension to a private hospital in Sheffield, and has worked on a number of other major health care projects in Yorkshire, including projects at York District Hospital, Harrogate Hospital and St James's Hospital in Leeds.

The main project to redevelop Stockton Hall began last May. It was controversial because the work entailed moving the Stockton and Hopgrove Cricket Club from its ground at the hospital.

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