Bright future for hospital as £6.2m project is launched

Steve Harcourt, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2010, officially opened the major programme, which is being supported by an ongoing fundraising appeal.

Sue Bleasdale, general manager for acquired brain injury services at the site in Warwick Gates, said: “This development is about getting speedier access for patients and consequently, better outcomes because people can be treated quicker.

“We lack the capacity to meet the demand for neuro rehabilitation in the current unit because we take patients from within Warwickshire and from further afield.”

The hospital can currently admit 30 in-patients at a time, but after the extension is complete, it will be able to take 42 and more in the future. Around 100 out-patients also come in for therapy every year, but this figure will also be able to rise.

Ms Bleasdale said: “The facilities we have for patients who stay for long periods of time will also be much better.

“We have spent a lot of time designing the inside of the hospital to ensure that patients have the space they need for privacy and dignity.”

The plans also include introducing different methods – such as interactive boards - for patients to communicate with friends and family in other ways than by telephone and email.

Ms Bleasdale added: “Patients tend to be here for a year and although the environment is going to be clinical, it will also become more like a home.

“It has been a really busy 19 months since we started working on this, so we are all really looking forward to seeing it happening.”

The hospital, which will operate as normal throughout the works, will also have a new name at the end of the project.

Steve Harcourt said: “The hospital really supported me through my rehabilitation.

“It is excellent that I am able to be part of the development, which will enable more patients can receive the care that I did.”

To contribute towards the development, visit: www.justgiving.com/lnrcappeal