Topic Awards, Health
Date 31 Oct 2025
Galliford Try’s Stonebow Unit project has been highly commended as Refurbishment Project of the Year at the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estates Management (IHEEM) Awards, which celebrate excellence in the healthcare estates sector.
The £12.6m project in Hereford, refurbished by Galliford Try Building West Midlands and South West was delivered on behalf of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust. It has enhanced facilities for adult, older adult, and dementia patients, providing 39 single en-suite bedrooms facilities on the ground floor to enable patients easy access to the gardens and to create room on the first floor for staff welfare.
The refurbishment, designed by Design Buro, incorporated the latest innovations in care, presenting adaptable, interlinked wards tailored to patients' needs and aligning with the Modernising the Mental Health Act 2018. The regulation aims to eliminate dormitory-style accommodation, supporting staff in creating spaces to meet the varied needs of adults, older adults, and those living with dementia.
Galliford Try delivered the scheme using its Millimetres Matter approach, a rigorous standard for quality, safety, and functionality in mental health environments. Key features include anti-ligature fittings, tamper-proof lighting, coordinated lighting and CCTV for better visibility, and Knauf Shaft Wall systems that maximise corridor space without compromising structural integrity.
The design also prioritised sustainability, with passive energy-saving measures such as solar control glazing, roof-mounted photovoltaics, and high thermal efficiency to reduce reliance on mechanical systems.
Laura Hodgetts, Healthcare Director for Galliford Try, commented: "Being highly commended is a fantastic reflection of the dedication and collaboration that went into this project, which stands out as a true exemplar. It’s a real privilege to help shape spaces that support both patients and staff in such meaningful ways."