Opened in 1999 on the site of the former Offerton Mental Hospital, The Meadows was a pioneering project led by Walker Healthcare in partnership with Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Karen James, chief executive of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘The success of The Meadows demonstrates how private and public sectors can work together effectively to provide essential health services to local communities.'

The facility at The Meadows is purpose-built and spans approximately 4,500 square metres, providing specialist assessments, treatment, support and care services for older adults and their families

Services range from acute mental health wards to help older people who can no longer be supported or cared for in the community; to the memory assessment team which assesses and diagnoses people living with memory conditions; to community mental health liaison service for people over 65 experiencing mental health problems. There is also palliative care in dementia service and step-down care for patients from acute hospital settings.

Walker Healthcare, a division of the independent Scottish-based company James Walker Leith Ltd, carried out the redevelopment of The Meadows and manages a portfolio of care homes and hospitals across the UK.

Jim McCallum, director of Walker Healthcare, said: ‘Walker Healthcare has been a committed partner throughout the lifecycle of this project, from overseeing its design and build through to ensuring the building and its facilities management were maintained to the highest standards.

‘This handover marks a significant moment, not just for Walker Healthcare, but as a case study for future public and private sector partnerships. It demonstrates how a private provider can support the NHS in delivering essential care and services through a collaborative, long-term approach.'