Willow Therapy Unit welcomes first patients
The unit, offering patients enhanced support to recover and regain independence after a stay in hospital, has welcomed its first patients. The Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C) facility in Norwich will provide a supportive and comfortable environment for 48 patients.
The £19 million development involved patients, carers, and staff in its planning. It includes an assessment kitchen and a self-service café-style area, helping patients build confidence in carrying out everyday tasks such as preparing drinks and snacks.
Situated on the Norwich Community Hospital site, the unit's location creates a strong link with Norfolk's largest acute hospital, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Matthew Winn, Chief Executive of Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust, commented: "The opening of the Willow Therapy Unit is a significant milestone for the health and care system in Norfolk and Waveney. This purpose-built facility will play a crucial role in helping patients regain their independence and return to their communities with confidence."
The unit has been designed to facilitate the seamless transition of patients from acute hospitals back into the community. Therapists and nursing staff at the Willow Therapy Unit will work closely together, playing an active part in supporting patients to achieve their functional goals.
Unit Lead Luciano Pitasi is confident the approach to patient care at the Willow Therapy Unit will help to reduce the amount of care and support people need when they are discharged.
"We will be using the latest therapy and rehabilitation technology and practices to prevent further deconditioning of patients and enable them to return home. Our focus will be on providing active, out-of-bed care to support patient recovery and wellbeing and reduce the risk of hospital readmission."
Patients at the Willow Therapy Unit will benefit from using the cutting-edge NIRVANA system from Gait and Motion Technology Ltd. This innovative system, which has never been used by the NHS in England before, projects different scenes onto walls or floors for the patient to interact with. A device tracks the patient's movements and changes the scene based on their actions. This immersive approach enhances rehabilitation by fully involving the body.
Dr Caroline Kavanagh, Chief Medical Director, said: "As well as utilising the latest technology, our focus will be on delivering rehabilitation around the clock, not just during therapy sessions. For example, patients might be encouraged to brush their own hair or reach for their slippers instead of staff doing it for them. Simple movements like this throughout the day help patients progress, improving their strength, confidence, and mobility."
Alongside its modern facilities, the Willow Therapy Unit also boasts a unique artwork, designed and installed by local artist Carl Rowe. Carl has worked extensively on public projects, including billboards, print portfolios, and hospital installations. His design for the Willow Therapy Unit, titled Gravity, is a series of seven abstract compositions painted directly onto the walls inside the unit.
To develop the designs, Carl held a series of art workshops with patients, staff, and volunteers, encouraging participants to explore balance through abstract design and experiments with balancing physical objects. Elements from the workshops were incorporated into the final designs.
Importantly, the artwork encourages patients to move around the unit, integrating rehabilitation into the building's design while providing a visually engaging backdrop for therapy. Carl commented: The installation is an active part of the restorative process and is intended to be both engaging and joyful.