Bowmere Hospital celebrates 20 years of mental health care

Bowmere Hospital, part of Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, marked its 20th anniversary recently.

The special milestone was celebrated with an event bringing together service users, families, carers, and both current and former staff. Guests enjoyed sandwiches and cake, took part in a quiz and wellbeing activities, and took a walk down memory lane with a photo display of Bowmere from over the years.

Among the attendees was Colin Jones, Bowmere’s first-ever Modern Matron.

Colin reflects fondly on his time at the hospital:

“It’s wonderful to be back and see how much Bowmere has developed – it’s a real credit to the staff. I have so many special memories, from inspiring service user groups to memorable Christmas celebrations and the introduction of ‘Star Wards’ which helped improve inpatient experiences and wellbeing across the country”

Bowmere is a specialist inpatient mental health hospital, providing assessment and treatment for people with serious mental conditions including clinical depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress and dementia.

Maria Yuen, Lead Occupational Therapist, has worked at CWP for over 20 years and remembers the day Bowmere opened its doors, replacing the former West Cheshire Hospital, which had served the community since 1939.

Maria shared: 

“It felt like moving into a new house and was much better facilities for our service users. It was an exciting and positive time. I’m very proud to work here as part of the Bowmere team.”

“Staff work hard to look after the mental health of people in our local community. It has been lovely to reflect on how far we have come since we opened”

The opening of Bowmere in March 2005 was a landmark moment for mental health care in Cheshire, marking the region’s first major investment in over 80 years. The new facility introduced en-suite bedrooms for all patients, setting a new standard for privacy, dignity, and safety - a significant shift from the dormitory-style wards still used in parts of the country. Over the years, Bowmere has continued to innovate with developments such as Cherry Ward’s dementia-friendly balcony garden and the redeveloped Chapel gym.

Zoe Dunne, Head of Clinical Services at CWP, praised the dedication and compassion of staff past and present: 

“It’s the people who truly make Bowmere what it is today. I’m incredibly proud of how the team has faced every challenge – from their dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic to their ongoing work driving the Bowmere Improvement Plan. Their compassion and commitment continue to make a real difference in people’s lives. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.”

Pictured - Current and previous staff celebrate 20 years of Bowmere (Zoe Dunne – Heah of Clinical Services, Rachel Vilches Sevillano - Clinical Service Improvement Lead, Colin Jones – Bowmere’s first Modern Matron, Andy Barnett - Staff Nurse who has worked at CWP for over 20 years, Gary Flockhart - Director of Nursing, Agata Lewis – Deputy Head of Clinical Services, Laura Jones - Modern Matron, Tim Welch CEO.