The principle building work on Norfolk’s world-class Dementia Intensive Care Unit (DICU) is nearing completion as excitement builds towards the topping out ceremony.

The event is on 26 July 2011 and will be held on the Julian Hospital site in Norwich, home to the £13.7m development. The 36-bedded DICU is part of Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, representatives of which will attend the topping out with building contractors R. G. Carter and architects Ingleton Wood.

The unit is part of the mental health Trust’s aims to provide the best dementia care in the country by creating a Clinical Academy for Dementia.

Maggie Wheeler, Trust Chair, said: “The DICU will provide high levels of expert care, training and academic research – so equipping the Trust to establish its credentials as a world leader in dementia care.


“Our long term aim is to deliver a different way of thinking about dementia across the health community and influence all aspects of dementia care and treatment including: improving knowledge of dementia, improving the skills to treat dementia, and improving the understanding of dementia through new care practices, research, training, and public awareness.”

On the day Maggie will be rolling out the sedum part of the green roof, highlighting the building’s modern environmental features, which also include solar panelling.

Saul Humphrey, R. G. Carter’s Regional Director, said: “R. G. Carter are extremely delighted to be working with Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust on this extremely important facility for Norfolk and the surrounding area.”

Jon Boon, Partner at Ingleton Wood, said: “It is exciting to see all the hard work by the project team, including client, user groups, contractors and designers, taking shape into an innovative and exciting building.”

At the event the name of the building will officially be announced as Hammerton Court. The name was chosen to reflect the Trust’s drive to continue as pioneers for dementia care and innovation; an aspiration moved forward by the late Cressida Hammerton.

“Cressida Hammerton, who passed away in November 2010, is fondly remembered by many at the Trust for her involvement in developing dementia training schemes and her commitment as a carer consultant,” added Maggie.

The DICU is due for completion in Spring 2012.