Holybourne Hospital, our acute mental health service for adults in London, welcomed a very special guest to their open day on Wednesday 11 September — Sarah, Duchess of York. The event was held to showcase the hospital’s newly refurbished facilities, and as a well-known advocate for mental health awareness, the Duchess was keen to attend.
As a committed mental health campaigner, her presence at Holybourne Hospital emphasised the importance of quality care and support for those facing mental health challenges. During her visit, the Duchess expressed her keen interest in learning more about the impactful work being done to support patients.
The Duchess also very kindly brought gifts for the hospital’s patients and team members, brightening the day for all those who attended. Her visit included a comprehensive tour of the newly renovated hospital, where she met with the team and patients, taking the time to understand their experiences and hear directly about the care provided.
The open day was not only an opportunity to showcase Holybourne’s newly refurbished facilities but also a chance to welcome several key figures from the healthcare sector. Commissioners, members of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and senior executives from Active Care Group — including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amit Chatterjee — were also present to mark the occasion.
Hospital Director Matt Beavis said, “It was an honour and a pleasure to welcome the Duchess of York to Holybourne Hospital as our special guest. We were thrilled to showcase the significant improvements we’ve made to both our environment and our ways of working, all aimed at enhancing the experience of our patients and colleagues. Her Grace expressed her strong commitment to mental health services and showed great interest in everything we do, engaging warmly and compassionately with both patients and staff. Everyone at the hospital thoroughly enjoyed her visit, and we are deeply grateful for her generosity of time and spirit.”
The hospital’s refurbishment is a significant step forward in our mission to improve the facilities of all our services and to provide high-quality care for all our patients. The Duchess’s involvement helped to highlight Holybourne Hospital’s commitment to enhancing mental health services and improving patient care, and helped create memories that patients, the team and visitors alike will never forget.
The Duchess said of the day, ‘“Mental ill health is one of the great challenges of our age. Every family has someone who is affected or knows someone who is, and we know the incidence is increasing all the time.
“I am constantly seeking to learn about this subject so it was a privilege to visit Holybourne Hospital and witness firsthand the work being done to support those with mental health issues. The facilities are truly impressive, but what stood out was the dedication and passion of the entire team. They are making a significant impact, and I left with a deep sense of admiration for them all.”
To find out more about Holybourne Hospital, please visit their webpage
