Multi-million pound rehab centre in Southampton given green light

Southampton City Council has granted conditional planning permission for the 50-bed scheme, which will provide purpose-built rehabilitation accommodation in the heart of the community.

The £19.5m wing, based at Western Community Hospital off Tebourba Way, will enable a greater number of people to be cared for in fresh, modern facilities – enhancing the patient experience and providing an improved working environment for staff.

It will replace two existing rehabilitation wards at the Royal South Hants Hospital also in Southampton – increasing beds from 43 to 50, as well as doubling the number of single rooms with en-suite facilities.

The project sets to centralise rehabilitation facilities for patients across Southampton and will "transform" the existing facilities.

Health bosses say the scheme will have "significant benefits" for the health system and local community.

The project is still subject to final funding approval from the Department of Health and Social Care.

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.”

Sue added: “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 taking an estimated 18 months to complete.

The new unit and associated facilities will help keep even more people safe and well, close to home.

Clinical staff, patients and carers have had input into the plans, which use greenery and natural light to boost morale and aid recovery.