Schoen Clinic group submits £13m plans for new mental health facility in York

Schoen Clinic’s York site has submitted plans for a £13m investment in a new facility to treat mental health patients at The Retreat.

The proposals could secure the long-term provision of mental health services at The Retreat in York - a historic site for treatment of over 220 years.

The proposed facility would incorporate approximately 3,500 sq m of floor space within a three-storey building, set inside the wider 2.46-acre site. The location identified for the new facility is set within the northern section of The Retreat estate.

This proposed 46-bed modern facility is said to meet a unique healthcare need in York, treating patients with complex mental health diagnoses associated with eating and personality disorders across three units.

This specialised facility would primarily serve the local community and expand the two existing services currently in operation.

Options are currently being explored for an additional third mental health service, with building plans designed to accommodate a range of mental health diagnoses.

Christopher Schoen, member of the Schoen Clinic administrative board, said: “We are delighted to reach this milestone in our project to deliver a new state-of-the-art mental health facility in York.

“Schoen Clinic have been working closely with local residents, politicians, council officers and healthcare experts to ensure our design complements the existing offer and delivers an improved pathway for patients.

“York has faced significant challenges in the provision of mental health services, so Schoen Clinic is pleased to propose a multi-million-pound investment to assist in meeting the local healthcare need.”

Schoen Clinic and TEWV have jointly confirmed that the proposed facility will provide specialised care - through services ‘not in competition’ or to overlap with patients expected for the new Foss Park Hospital in York.

Schoen Clinic provides specialist care in complex mental health diagnoses, orthopaedics and neurology. It now provides healthcare at 26 locations, four being in the UK.

The application has been submitted by Carter Jonas, with a decision ready to be made later in the year.

Carter Jonas’ head of planning north, Simon Grundy, added: “Schoen Clinic and the project team have fully understood and responded to the heritage sensitivities and landscape characteristics of the Retreat and its historic grounds.

“The development represents the next chapter in ground-breaking healthcare provision within this part of the city.”