On Friday 12th February, the Pagabo online awards ceremony turned into a momentous occasion where we were delighted to have won the ‘Best Framework Collaboration Project’ award. This was for our work in developing a new build mental health extension unit known as ‘Sunniside’, providing much improved care facilities for mental health inpatients in and around Gateshead and the North East.

Pagabo acknowledged the early collaborative nature of the project team working very closely, albeit remotely, with the Trust clinicians and estates team. More than £400m will be committed through NHS England over the next four years to improve the safety, privacy and dignity of patients with mental health (even more urgent in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic).