NHS Rehabilitation Centre report

Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire were commissioned by Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care System (ICS) to find out from people with protected characteristics and health inclusion groups what their views were about moving the current rehabilitation services based at Linden Lodge, City Hospital, Nottingham to The NHS Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall Estate, Loughborough. Ninety-one telephone interviews were carried out over a seven week period using a survey designed in conjunction with the ICS.

Two thirds felt there would be a need for mental as well as physical rehabilitation and 15 require ongoing support with their existing mental health condition.

Parents with babies want to be able to share a room with them and assistance provided if required. For people who have other dependents e.g. older parents, on site social care advice would be helpful.

Over half of the people would like their own room, over one third their own bathroom and nearly a quarter would like a TV. Sharing a room for company was important to 17 people as was a homely space for 14. Being able to accommodate visiting children and family in their room was also an important consideration for some. More than half would like some sort of privacy; staff knocking before entry was requested by 17 people, and a confidential place to discuss their health was also needed.

Accessing outside space was a necessity for over two thirds of people for fresh air, exercise, and to maintain good mental health. In addition over one fifth of people would like to be able to go off site, with assistance if necessary.

While over a half of people had no special dietary requirements the rest would like a choice at each mealtime, a balanced diet and vegan, vegetarian, diabetic etc. options.

Two thirds of people felt a ‘neutral’ religious space onsite was required, however for 12 having someone to talk to was more important that the space itself.

Over a quarter of people would like access to a GP/Medical Centre onsite; those with existing conditions require prescriptions and medication to be continued along with access to their existing specialist.

Nearly half described the necessity for public transport for themselves, family and friends to get to The Centre.

More than one third of people require occasional accommodation for family and friends with one quarter requesting reasonable hostel rates.

Two thirds of people would like an on-site shop. Newspapers, magazine and books were the first preference followed by snacks, sweets, crisps and toiletries. A café, chemist, cash machine and restaurant were also mentioned.

Concerns were raised about the different culture between civilians and military, the increased security levels, interacting with military patients who have PTSD, and regimented routines.

Access to a landline preferably in their own room was important to nearly a third of people. Access to Wi-Fi was a necessity for over a third of people and, if charged for, would be prohibitive to eight.

Fourteen people said that unless the cost of public transport was reasonable it would be prohibitive for them. Over a third would like free or cheap car parking.

The report makes a large number of recommendations to address the issues raised in this report.