The green light has been given to start work on two new multi-million pound mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital.

South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLSTG) announced on Monday that it secured government approval to start work on its £150 million development in Tooting.

This will include eight new inpatient wards which will be further boosted by the modernisation of the Trust’s community services.

SWLSTG has already started construction work on this programme, which will include 839 new and a 32-acre public park and it is set to open in 2022.

Ann Beasley CBE, Chairperson of SWLSTG said: “This is the biggest landmark yet in our Estate Modernisation Programme and we are extremely proud of getting permission to go ahead and being able to start work on these brand-new, first class inpatient facilities.

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“This new environment will make a huge difference to our patients and the way we provide the best quality care towards their recovery.

“It is incredibly important to us that we provide patients with the best environment and services possible and we are pleased to have done this primarily through raising our own funds.

“Furthermore, this work will ensure that the Springfield University Hospital site is regenerated in a way which reduces the stigma of mental health conditions by integrating our organisation with our community.”

Other parts of the development include land being made available for a new school as well as shops and a cafe

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Vanessa Ford, acting chief executive of SWLSTG said: “We have been developing the plans for our brand-new mental health inpatient wards for many years and we are delighted to have received government approval, meaning we can begin construction on these state-of-the-art inpatient buildings.

“The wards will revolutionise the way we deliver care for generations to come and ensure we can provide high quality and safe services. The new facilities have been carefully designed alongside our clinicians and service users to provide the most supportive environment and innovative facilities for the delivery of mental health care.”

“As well good news for patients, the new hospital facilities will be good news for the environment with much more efficient use of energy and working towards a carbon neutral footprint”