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Centre of excellence set to transform rehabilitation for patients across Southampton

Members of the public are being asked for their views on a new state-of-the-art rehabilitation unit planned for Southampton.

The 50-bed unit, based at the Western Community Hospital off Tebourba Way, will provide purpose-built accommodation to help patients get back to health as quickly as possible.

Images of the £19.5m scheme, including artist’s impressions and proposed floor plans, were unveiled in an online exhibition today (Wednesday, 19 August), before Solent NHS Trust submits a formal planning application.

The new wing will enable a greater number of people to be cared for in fresh, modern facilities – enhancing the patient experience and providing an improved working environment for staff.

It will replace two existing rehabilitation wards at the Royal South Hants Hospital also in Southampton – increasing beds from 43 to 50, as well as doubling the number of single rooms with en-suite facilities.

Drawings showing how the unit could look are being shown as part of an online public engagement exercise, which will be live for two weeks.

Local people will be able to look at the proposed design at wch-have-your-say.vailwilliams.com and be able to submit comments or ask questions.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, Solent NHS Trust, which provides community and mental health services, is holding an online engagement exercise rather than a public event.

Sue Harriman, Solent NHS Trust Chief Executive, said: “This exciting project will centralise and future-proof our rehabilitation facilities, allowing our expert staff to continue providing great care right in the heart of our community.

“We want patients, their families, staff and the wider community to take a look at our plans and help us shape them as we move through the planning process to ensure we build the best facility we possibly can.”

A 2015 review into the condition and use of NHS hospitals across Southampton found some facilities could be better used. These included both the Western Community Hospital, owned by Solent NHS Trust, and the Royal South Hants, owned by NHS Property Services.

With too few rehabilitation beds in Southampton to meet future health requirements, a plan was developed to demolish a single-storey ward, currently being used as office space, at the Western and replace it with a modern purpose-built unit, allowing care to be centralised rather than run across two separate sites.

The new unit should also help reduce admissions to University Hospital Southampton and free up vital space at the Royal South Hants – providing huge benefits for the wider health system as well as the local community.

Clinical staff, patients and carers have already had considerable input into the plans, which will use greenery and natural light to boost morale and aid recovery.

People have until Wednesday, 2 September 2020 to give their views via the online exhibition, which also includes a short video introducing the scheme and a chance to submit questions to the design team.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Please visit our services page for specific services and contact details. Alternatively, contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service by emailing or calling the number below. You can also give us feedback, make a complaint or share a compliment.

pals@solent.nhs.uk

0800 013 2319

*Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was passed on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, with full access granted in January 2005.

The Act sets out exemptions to that right and places certain obligations on public authorities.

Email: InformationGovernanceTeam@solent.nhs.uk

Phone: 0300 123 3919

*Subject to any exemptions which apply, we are obliged to provide the information requested please note that requests for Personal Information is not covered under this Act and should be applied for through the Data Protection Act 1998.

Our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton.

While our services can be found around various NHS locations in Southampton and Portsmouth (and surrounding districts), our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton at:

Highpoint Venue
Bursledon Road
Southampton
SO19 8BR

If you require a printable version of how to find us including bus times, car access and bike info please download our leaflet. (Copyright of Highpoint Venue).

Central office phone: 0300 123 3390

*Lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

If you are a journalist with a media enquiry, please contact the Communications Team at:

communications@solent.nhs.uk

0300 123 4156 or 02381 031076

The Communications Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.