Opened by HRH the Duke of Gloucester, Minehead Hospital provides a 19-bed ward (with predominantly single en-suite bedrooms), day surgery theatre, therapies, outpatients, minor injuries unit and x-ray and ultrasound departments as well as a mental health day unit.
Minehead Hospital
Art deco intervention between Exmoor Hills and West Somerset coast
“ The artwork enhances the feeling of lightness and calmness ”
Minehead hospital is designed in a white rendered ‘art deco’ style appropriate to its seaside town location, a complete contrast to the former Victorian hospital it replaced, which was originally built as the town hall.
The hospital is laid out around two courtyards, which combined with large windows throughout means that many rooms benefit from natural light and ventilation. Each courtyard houses a sculpture by Wolfgang Buttress which are the main art commissions.
Being in the centre of the plan, and overlooked by the main corridors as well as clinical and staff accommodation, they can be seen by everyone using the hospital. Carefully positioned lighting ensure they are visible at night as well as during the day – reflecting the sky into the building.
The project is part of a joint development with partners Somerset County Council, West Somerset College and West Somerset Council to provide a range of community facilities.
The hospital was shortlisted for a Building Better Healthcare (BBH) ‘Best use of visual art in healthcare award’ in the patient environment category.
