23 July 2012
The initial 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.
The artist’s impressions of the centre – which
is being designed and project managed by Capita Symonds - depict a
bright, welcoming and homely environment more like a boutique hotel
than a traditional hospital unit. Patients will be able to
make drinks and cook meals for themselves in a spacious
kitchen-diner as part of their therapy. They will be cared
for by a dedicated team of specialist doctors, nurses and
therapists working seven days a week to help patients regain their
independence and confidence.
The centre, which will care for people
recovering from accidents and medical conditions including stroke,
broken hips and amputations, will be colour-themed in different
areas to make it easier for visually-impaired patients or those
with dementia to find their way around.
Proposals for the rehabilitation centre were
approved by local health commissioners in February 2012 after
public consultation and are 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. It is
hoped building work could start on site in November and that the
new centre will open to patients in early summer 2013.
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 for the NHS, said: “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.”
Estimated project
timeline
- August 2012: Project team submit planning permission for new
centre;
- September 2012: Existing wards at Montagu Hospital become main
rehabilitation centre for South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw;
- November 2012: Building work on new centre starts on site at
Montagu;
- Summer 2013: Building work complete. New rehabilitation
centre opens to patients, providing new model of care seven days a
week.