Solent NHS Trust reveals name of new Southampton rehabilitation centre
Solent NHS Trust has proudly unveiled the name of its new state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre at the Western Community Hospital – called the South of England Rehabilitation Centre.
Scheduled to open its doors to patients in autumn 2024, the new centre represents a significant milestone in the city’s healthcare infrastructure as well as being the biggest Estates project in Solent’s history. The building’s name is one that is strong and clear and in keeping with other specialised rehabilitation units in the country and followed engagement with staff members and service users.
The £21 million modern, purpose-built unit will replace two existing rehabilitation wards currently at the Royal South Hants Hospital in Southampton, will increase the number of beds available from 43 to 50, and will more than double the number of single rooms with en-suite facilities.
The extra beds and improved facilities will mean Solent staff can treat more people, closer to home. It will help to reduce the amount of time people stay in hospital, freeing up much needed beds and helping to reduce the backlog of patients awaiting treatment.
The announcement comes alongside the naming of its two new wards, Keats and Conan Doyle, paying homage to literary figures with proud connections to Hampshire, which again involved conversations and feedback from colleagues and local community representatives.
Inspired by the rich literary history of the region, the names Keats and Conan Doyle were chosen to honour the legacies of John Keats, who found inspiration in Winchester for his renowned poem “To Autumn”, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, famous for his Sherlock Holmes novels and his connection to Southsea and the New Forest.
Andrew Strevens, Chief Executive, Solent NHS Trust, said: “We are thrilled to unveil the name of the new centre which promises to be a centre of excellence to deliver high quality, patient-centred care for those across Hampshire and the Isle and Wight with rehabilitation needs. I feel that the names for the new wards, Keats and Conan Doyle, pay important tribute to the cultural heritage of Hampshire.
“I would like to thank all those who made suggestions and put forward their ideas as part of the naming process, and we look forward to welcoming staff and patients into the two new wards when they open later this year.”
The construction progress of the new wing has been excitingly captured through regular drone flights, showcasing the transformation from demolition to the emergence of the new building.
The £21 million project was given approval from the Department of Health and Social Care in September 2021. The new unit is being built on the site of the old Tannersbrook Ward, while the rest of the hospital continues to operate as normal.
More information can be found at https://southamptonrehab.nhs.uk/