Strike action is taking place from 7am on Tuesday, 7 April to 7am on Monday, 13 April 2026. Please continue to attend appointments as usual. We'll contact you directly if your care is affected to rearrange your appointment as quickly as possible.
Published on:
Friday 6th February 2026
A mental health ward at Farnham Road Hospital, part of our trust, has closed after more than 150 years. The closure marks a significant moment in the site’s history.
Victoria Ward is part of the older part of Farnham Road Hospital, a Grade II listed building. It opened in 1866 and has been in use ever since, making it the oldest ward in Surrey.
In more recent years, Victoria Ward supported older adults aged over 65 with mental health conditions, including severe depression and bipolar disorder. The service has now moved to Juniper Ward, a newly refurbished unit that offers a modern, therapeutic environment designed to better meet the needs of older people.
The new ward is lighter and more spacious and offers improved communal spaces to support therapeutic activities such as arts and crafts. There is also a private garden area, giving people safe access to fresh air and outdoor activity.
Anne Sayed, Matron at Farnham Road Hospital, said: “Juniper Ward gives our older adults the kind of environment they deserve – modern, spacious and designed around their safety and comfort.
“It also provides colleagues with the right facilities and layout to deliver person-centred care every day.”
The changes will support recovery and wellbeing while bringing facilities in line with modern expectations for mental health care.
Help us improve our website
Please take a moment to share your thoughts and help us enhance our website by completing our short survey here.