UK’s largest rehabilitation hospital opens to NHS patients, with dedicated Long Covid service
The new-build rehab hospital, Circle Rehabilitation, opens its doors to NHS patients across the Midlands this week.
The 120-bed hospital has recently opened and will support the NHS in this time of crisis, delivering urgent specialist rehabilitation services, additional bed capacity to allow patients to continue their recovery. Dedicated Long Covid clinics will also be delivered for NHS patients who need specialised support.
ONS data shows 1 in 10 people infected with coronavirus experience symptoms that last for three months or longer, and one study found nearly three quarters of coronavirus patients admitted to hospital suffer ongoing symptoms three months later.
NHS patients are now being admitted 7 days a week, and being treated by a specialist multidisciplinary team with a wide range of hi-tech rehabilItation equipment – using the latest artificial intelligence and app-based treatment packages to support patients on their journey to recovery.
Paolo Pieri, CEO of Circle Health Group, the UK’s largest private hospital group, said: “We’re proud to be supporting the NHS at this critical time. As well as offering the NHS those crucial extra beds in their hour of need, we have developed an innovative service designed specifically for patients with debilitating long COVID symptoms. Rehabilitation can help patients to a full recovery, and will be an increasingly vital part of UK healthcare to support the thousands of people recovering from Long Covid in the years ahead.”
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This is brilliant news for patients right across the West Midlands and beyond, offering additional flow to our hospitals to support a range of patients, including those suffering from Long Covid. It is great to have such a hi-tech facility extending its support to the NHS at a time when the Covid crisis in our hospitals is deepening.
“The pandemic has shown us the power of these type of public-private partnerships, and I’m delighted that the West Midlands is leading the way again on healthcare innovation.”