Modular building specialist Integra has created new wellbeing facilities for NHS staff in Southampton, in a project made possible with proceeds from the auction of Banksy’s artwork Game Changer.
The Banksy artwork was gifted to Southampton Hospitals Charity in May 2020 during the height of the Covid pandemic.
Following its £16.7m sale at auction – a record for a Banksy artwork – Integra was awarded a contract to deliver a wellbeing hub for NHS staff working at University Hospital Southampton (UHS), one of a number of projects funded by Game Changer.
The bespoke building features an open plan gymnasium, relaxation lounge, kitchen, changing and shower facilities as well as multi-purpose rooms where groups can come together to rest or take part in team building activities, which are all free for staff to use.
Staff can also utilise a cycle parking area, promoting a key initiative in the Trust’s sustainability work and commitment to reduce its carbon footprint.
Gary Parker, CEO at Integra, said: “The pandemic shone a very bright light on the invaluable work NHS staff across the country do every single day, saving lives and keeping us healthy.
“To be awarded this contract was a huge privilege, and we’ve enjoyed working with UHS to provide staff with a relaxing environment to enjoy breaks from their hectic and challenging work.
“We have a strong track record of delivering high-quality modular buildings for the health sector, and have also recently supplied an 80-plus bay hospital building for Newham University Hospital.
“Our NHS staff dedicate their lives to caring for patients in their time of need, so to be able to give something small back to them feels very fitting.”
Banksy’s Game Changer shows a child choosing to play with a caped toy nurse instead of more traditional superhero figures.
Proceeds from its £16.7m sale were distributed to more than 40 healthcare organisations and charities across the UK, funding projects which an emphasis on mental health and wellbeing.
One of those projects was the new wellbeing facility at University Hospital Southampton.
Ellis Banfield, Southampton Hospital’s Charity Director, said: “We’re enormously grateful for the donation received to build a space that will enable our NHS staff to have an area to rest, recharge and reflect.
“The building itself has been designed with our people in mind and will provide a lasting legacy that all of us at UHS are enormously proud of.”
The new wellbeing facility was officially opened on Wednesday 5 July, as part of national celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.
Throughout its 25-year history, East Yorkshire-based Integra has developed a nationwide reputation for excellence in the design, construction and fit-out of modular buildings for a wide range of uses, including education, sport, leisure, healthcare and commercial operations.
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