Planning permission has been granted for a project to create a £19.5m rehabilitation unit for patients across Southampton. The conditional planning for the scheme was approved by Southampton City Council.
The wing will be based at Solent NHS Trust's Western Community Hospital and will provide purpose-built rehabilitation accommodation for patients in the community. It will allow more patients to be cared for in modern facilities, improving the overall patient experience and working environment for staff. This also includes using greenery and natural light to boost morale and aid recovery.
The two existing rehabilitation wards at the Royal South Hants Hospital – in Southampton – will be replaced by the new unit. Beds will be increased from 43 to 50, including the number of single rooms with en-suite facilities.
Sue Harriman, Chief Executive at Solent NHS Trust, said: “This is a major milestone in our plans to centralise and future proof our rehabilitation facilities for patients across the Southampton area.
“We are extremely excited about delivering this project, which will transform existing facilities and have significant benefits for the wider health system, as well as our local community.
“While delivery of the project is still subject to final funding approval from the Department of Health and Social Care, this is an important and significant step forward for the project, our patients and staff.”
Demolition work is expected to start in the spring of 2022, with the scheme expected to take an estimated 18 months to complete. The new unit and associated facilities aim to keep even more people safe and well, closer to home. Clinical staff, patients and carers have also given input on the plans.
