Public votes on name for new mental health facility

Building work on the new site began in May

A new inpatient service for people with learning disabilities and autism is celebrating its new name following a public vote.

The Kingfisher, at Blackberry Hill Hospital, in Fishponds, Bristol, will provide care for people from across the South West.

"The kingfisher is a very distinctive bird that represents hope, healing and... aligns with our vision for a service which is creative, connected to the environment and which promotes independence," said chief operating officer at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Mathew Page.

Building work on the new £20m 10-bed facility started in May and it is expected to open next year.

Groups representing people with learning disabilities and autism have been meeting with architects from the beginning of the project, a spokesperson for Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) said.

They have offered "lived experience" in areas including ward layout, furniture designs, garden landscaping and sensory considerations such as sound and lighting.

Mr Page said kingfishers are often seen by the River Frome, not far from the new site

Development of the facility, which will be run by AWP, is being supported by the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB and Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, alongside NHS England.

It is hoped the facility will be more accessible to people by avoiding long-distance hospital placements, with the more local provision also supporting families, friends and carers.

Mr Page thanked all of those involved in choosing the new name, including local residents, patients, staff and carers, with the final choice receiving 400 votes.

Peer mentor Ben Stunell, who has supported the project, said the new name represents something "beautiful and meaningful".

"We hope that the Kingfisher will be a place of hope, healing and recovery for many over the coming years," he added.