A new NHS facility has officially opened in the Elizabeth Quarter of Scunthorpe, marking a significant investment aimed at improving mental health services in the region. The facility, developed by the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), is part of a broader initiative to position Scunthorpe as a leader in reducing wait times for mental health care.
The Elizabeth Quarter facility was inaugurated earlier this month and is located at the former town market site, a project spearheaded by North Lincolnshire Council. The total investment for this new building reached approximately £16.9 million, with RDaSH committing to lease part of the space for at least 15 years.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services Under One Roof
This state-of-the-art facility will house a variety of health services, including the primary care mental health team, memory assessment team, North Lincolnshire’s learning disability service, and the Children’s 0-19 service. It will also provide essential treatments such as behavioral and psychological therapy, Clozapine/Lithium clinics, and medication management clinics.
Toby Lewis, the Chief Executive of RDaSH, expressed enthusiasm at the opening, referring to it as a “really exciting day” for the community. He emphasized how the facility unifies multiple mental health services for adults, older adults, and children into a singular, accessible location. Lewis stated, “It won’t be like other NHS facilities that people have been to,” highlighting the increased space and resources available for patient therapy.
The new clinic spans three floors, designed to enhance the therapy experience. Lewis noted, “We’ve got a lot more space and rooms in which to provide therapy to our patients. That’s all part of a big plan to reduce waiting times here locally in the NHS.”
Commitment to Reducing Wait Times
The facility’s inauguration is part of RDaSH’s broader commitment to significantly improve wait times for mental health services in Scunthorpe. Lewis outlined their goal to reduce waiting times to no more than four weeks for most services by April 2026. He acknowledged that, apart from neurodiversity care, which currently experiences longer wait times, the organization is on track to meet this ambitious target.
Using memory assessments for possible dementia as an example, Lewis explained that patients should expect their clinical assessments and treatment to commence within four weeks. Achieving this standard would position Scunthorpe as a leader in the NHS nationally, showcasing the impact of the new facility.
The opening event was attended by notable figures, including RDaSH’s chair, Kathryn Lavery, North Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham, and the Mayor of North Lincolnshire, Cllr Carol Ross. All present shared in the excitement of this milestone for local health services.
Lewis further highlighted the importance of the facility in supporting the Talking Therapies team, which provides assistance to individuals aged 18 and over facing anxiety and depression. He described the Elizabeth Quarter as a “twenty-first century neighborhood center,” with enhanced spaces for therapy, including innovative therapy pods.
RDaSH’s ongoing upgrades in the Scunthorpe area also include a significant investment of approximately £4 million in the Great Oaks mental health inpatient facility. By Summer 2026, the crisis assessment service will relocate there, ensuring that patients requiring urgent mental health support will no longer need to visit A&E departments.
The opening of the Elizabeth Quarter marks a pivotal moment for mental health services in Scunthorpe, reflecting RDaSH’s commitment to enhancing care quality and accessibility for the local population. With these strategic investments, the organization aims to improve mental health outcomes and foster a supportive environment for all community members.
