Designs unveiled for Yorkshire rehabilitation unit

Published: 25-Jul-2012

Capita Symonds releases early drawings of hotel-style unit for patients recovering from serious illness and injury

Early designs for a new rehabilitation unit that will transform the care of people recovering from serious illness or injury in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw have been unveiled.

The proposed layout and design of the rehabilitation centre, which is due to open at Montagu Hospital in Mexborough early next summer, was presented at a meeting of GP health commissioners in Doncaster.

An artist’s impression of the centre, which is being designed and project managed by Capita Symonds, depicts a bright, homely environment more like a boutique hotel than a traditional hospital unit. Inside the building, patients will be able to make drinks and cook meals for themselves in a spacious kitchen-diner as part of their therapy.

The centre, which will care for people recovering from accidents and medical conditions including stroke, broken hips and amputations, will have colour themes in different areas to make it easier for visually-impaired patients or those with dementia to find their way around.

The layout and design will enable the patient’s day to be planned with different activities, all designed to enable them to fulfil their goals for independent living

Proposals for the rehabilitation centre were approved by local health commissioners in February 2012 after a public consultation and the development is being introduced in phases to minimise disruption for patients and their families.

The project managers expect to submit planning permission for the new unit within the next month. If agreed, it is hoped building work could start on site in November and that the new centre will open to patients in May or June next year.

Chris Ellingworth, clinical director for therapies at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Montagu Hospital, said: “This is a very exciting development for the residents of Doncaster. The state-of-the-art centre will be designed to maximise rehabilitation for patients recovering from serious injuries or illness, stroke or other neurological disorders, amputations or complex orthopaedic problems.

“The layout and design will enable the patient’s day to be planned with different activities, all designed to enable them to fulfil their goals for independent living.”

Tom Myers of Capita Symonds, project manager of the construction project, added: “The centre will be designed so the physical environment aids clinicians in delivering rehabilitative care. The plans include a domestic home-style staircase and a courtyard with varied paving styles to help people re-learn the ability to walk on different surfaces. The design team’s brief was to create an environment that is non-clinical and pleasing, which will help lift spirits and motivate patients.”

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