Duncan Macmillan House

Honouring the legacy of Duncan Macmillan House

As part of our wider estates strategy, we are preparing to move services out of Duncan Macmillan House (DMH) in Mapperley. This decision reflects the changing ways we work across the Trust, including the adoption of hybrid and flexible working, which has led to the site being significantly underused throughout the week.

At the same time, we must also consider the practical realities. DMH is a large, ageing building with substantial running and maintenance costs. These costs continue to rise and represent a significant financial burden. As a publicly funded organisation, we have a responsibility to ensure that taxpayer money is used as effectively as possible - prioritising investment in clinical environments and direct patient care.

While this marks a new chapter, we recognise that DMH holds deep significance for many people. Originally built in the late 19th century as Mapperley Hospital, the site has been central to mental health care in Nottingham for nearly 150 years. It was designed with a therapeutic ethos, incorporating gardens, workshops and communal spaces to support recovery and wellbeing.

In the 1960s and 70s, under the leadership of Dr Duncan Macmillan, the site became a symbol of progressive mental health care. Dr Macmillan pioneered community-based approaches and championed dignity and voluntary care for patients - principles that continue to shape our services today. The building was later renamed in his honour, reflecting his lasting impact on the field and on our Trust.

DMH has been a place of healing, learning and connection. Generations of staff have worked here, and countless lives have been touched by the care delivered within its walls. As we prepare to leave the site, we are committed to recognising and celebrating its legacy.

We are currently in the early stages of preparing DMH to be marketed for sale. This is a complex process that includes scoping, identifying space needs and engaging with affected teams. It is estimated that this preparation and marketing phase may take up to two years. During this time, we will continue to work closely with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure the transition is thoughtful and well-supported.

We also want to ensure that the legacy of DMH is honoured in a meaningful way. We know how much this place means to those who have worked here, often for many years. In the coming months, we'll be inviting people to share their stories, memories and photographs to help us build a collective tribute to DMH's history. A dedicated page will be available for contributions, and we'll be exploring ways to bring these together into a lasting record.

We'll continue to keep everyone informed as plans progress and will ensure that those affected are involved every step of the way. If you have any questions, please email DMHLegacy@nottshc.nhs.uk.