First phase of rehabilitation centre ‘nearing completion’

Chris Ellingworth, Clinical Director, Clinical Therapies at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals.

The new centre at Montagu Hospital in Mexborough will provide “spacious and modern treatment facilities” for patients recovering from a range of health conditions or injuries including stroke, amputation, traffic accidents and falls.

Building work began in January and the first phase – which includes a gym, treatment rooms, and a specialist kitchen and bathroom – is approaching completion.

A spokesman for Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Trust said that the 58-bed rehabilitation centre is “set to be the first of its kind in the UK, providing intensive therapeutic, medical and nursing care seven days a week in an environment specially designed to promote recovery”.

They added: “External work on the new build is now nearing completion, with all the walls in place and the final cladding, windows and weatherproofing due to be in place within the next fortnight. The internal walls are also in place and the electrical and plumbing work is already underway. The final element in the first phase will be the internal fit-out and decoration, due to be completed later this summer.

“Once the ground floor treatment facilities have opened, the construction team will focus on phase two – completing the new accommodation block with 18 single rooms and two self-contained flats that can be used by patients and their relatives or carers to help them prepare for life at home after hospital. That is due to open to patients in the autumn.

“The final phase of the project involves refurbishing the existing wards at Montagu Hospital, which will provide 38 beds for patients being cared for in the rehabilitation centre. The whole scheme has been designed so that patients can practise their skills in a realistic home-like environment.”

Chris Ellingworth, clinical director for clinical therapies at the trust said it was “fantastic to see our vision for the new rehabilitation centre starting to come to life”.

She added: “We’re preparing to offer a completely different model of care for rehabilitation patients – one that really focuses on each individual’s own needs and goals.”