The first facility delivered under the New Hospital Programme, the NHS National Rehabilitation Centre, is now open
The NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) is located on the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate in Rempstone and is to be operated by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The facility has 70 beds and is designed to rehabilitate people effectively following illness or injury with groundbreaking technology.
Contemporary technology
One of the facility’s biggest features is its robotics suite, the most comprehensive in the NHS, featuring the UK’s first 360-degree hoist designed to help patients relearn to walk. Other features include collaborative learning areas, hydrotherapy, virtual reality environments, a 5km trim trail, a hand-cycle track, a fishing lake, and a golf course to emphasise both physical and mental wellbeing.
The facility also has research and innovation capabilities, with a network of 26 universities and an NRC Academy for training and education.
This facility was delivered with consultation support from EDGE under the New Hospital Programme with sustainability at the centre of its development. This facility is also the NHS’s first operationally carbon-neutral building in support of the 2045 Net Zero goal. The use of solar panels and air source heat pumps helping to earn the Constructing Excellence Midlands ‘Net Zero Award,’ and being Highly Commended in the European Healthcare Design Awards.
Matt Hill, director at EDGE, said: “Completing the National Rehabilitation Centre is a proud moment for EDGE. This facility truly sets a benchmark for sustainable healthcare design and we’re excited to see it start delivering life-changing care for patients. It has the ability to take rehabilitation services to a new level, both nationally and internationally.
“We enjoyed a strong and transparent working relationship with the Trust and the rest of the project team. Congratulations to everyone involved – this was a true collaborative effort.”
Ryan McCormack, head of construction and commercial at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “EDGE has provided us with project management and NEC Supervisor services. Their team brings a combination of technical expertise, attention to detail with a collaborative, solution-oriented approach.”
Agreements for new hospitals are already signed
At the end of July, 11 new partnerships were signed to deliver hospitals under the New Hospital Programme across the east of England.
The partnerships have been signed to construct hospitals utilising Hospital 2.0, the new standardised approach to designing, building, and operating hospitals to maintain national standards while using modern methods of construction and digital innovation.
Karin Smyth, minister of state for health, said: “For too long, the construction of new hospitals has been bogged down by bureaucratic procurement processes, even after full approval and funding was in place, and we’re determined to change that.
“The changes announced today are a major step forward in streamlining the procurement process. Patients can look forward to new hospitals being delivered quicker, industry can plan with certainty, and taxpayers can be assured that we are getting maximum value for their money.
“With stronger collaboration, shared learning and a boost for jobs, this further demonstrates this government’s commitment to the New Hospital Programme, providing world-class facilities for the NHS and helping the economy in the process.”
Read more about the new partnerships and the New Hospital Programme.
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