Llandough hospital’s £16m boost (From Penarth Times)

Llandough hospital’s £16m boost

3:24pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in News

 THE University Hospital Llandough is to receive a multi-million-pound investment for specialist services.

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced a £16.344m funding boost for specialist neurological, spinal rehabilitation and elderly care services to be developed at the site.

Spinal and neurological rehabilitation services will be relocated from Rookwood in the move, making Llandough a “centre of excellence” for rehabilitation and recovery care in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB).

Jennifer Thomas, Clinical Director for Neurosciences, said the people of South Wales would benefit from first class facilities.

She said: “The UHB is delighted that the minister has announced this significant investment that will benefit the people of South Wales who need specialist neurological, spinal rehabilitation and elderly care services.

“Rookwood Hospital has helped countless people on the road to recovery over the years and while it provides excellent care, the fabric of the buildings on the site are showing their age.

“The planned development at University Hospital Llandough allows this service to work side by side with other rehabilitation and recovery services to provide a centre of excellence in facilities designed around their needs.”

Dedicated facilities to support inpatient, diagnostic, outpatient and therapy services will all be provided.

It means patients with spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injury and specialist neuromuscular degenerative conditions will receive the care they need in an appropriate clinical environment.

Health Minsiter Ms Griffiths said: “This investment means that patients with a range of neurological conditions will be able to receive rehabilitation at an earlier stage, to improve their chances of recovery.

“Creating specialist centres of excellence is a key part of the Welsh Government’s vision for the NHS, as outlined in our strategy, Together for Health.”

The inpatient services will support a network of community based neuro-rehabilitation and supportive care services across mid and south Wales.

“This investment will transfer services to modern accommodation, suited to providing high quality care,”

Ms Griffiths added.

“It will replace outdated and inflexible accommodation at Rookwood with accessible, welcoming facilities, focused on the needs of the patient.”