Chichester mental health centre plans to replace security fencing 'to prevent absconsion of patients'

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has applied for planning permission to replace the fence at the Chichester Centre in Graylingwell Drive, which provides mental health care and treatment to adults (CC/20/01097/FUL).

The site accommodates the NHS service provision for working age and 'low secure mental healthcare' that serves the local and wider community in West Sussex.

A spokesperson said: "The new fence will provide a secure perimeter to the garden area where patients can access outdoor space to help with their recovery and wellbeing.

"The fence will be sited in the same place as the existing fence at a height of four metres which follows NHS guidelines."

According to the planning documents, as time has passed since the centre's construction in 2000, Department of Health standards for secure services have included 'more stringent security arrangements' in an 'increasingly challenging' environment.

The planning statement read: "As a result it is has been deemed necessary by the service providers, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, to improve the fencing around Oaklands to provide a more secure external environment to prevent absconsion of patients, and to reassure local residents that those who are admitted are being cared for in an appropriately secure environment."

The proposed replacement fence incorporates design features that 'increase environmental security' while 'preserving privacy' by preventing direct visibility through the fence.

"The new standards are designed to assist the NHS service providers in the care of patients and also provide reassurance," the application continued.

"The proposal is to replicate the style of fence that is currently in place to the other three wards of the Chichester Centre.

"The replacement fence installation is required to enhance the service by allowing outside access for patients that may at present not have access to open air activities due to the lack of a secure environment.

"A close boarded timber fence is to be attached to the main fence to a height of 2.4m on the external side of the fence.

"This is intended to soften the visual impact of the higher fence for the benefit of local residents and to afford privacy for the patients using the gardens, acknowledging the proximity of nearby residential development, The St Richards Hospital site and the students and staff of the University of Chichester."

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