WORK is nearing completion on a new rehab unit in Worcester which takes pressure off the city's hospital.

The contract for running of the Timberdine Community Unit was awarded to Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust at the start of April following a competitive tendering process.

The unit, previously run by Worcestershire County Council, is focused on supporting patients to return to independent or supported living in their own homes, as well as being able to manage a recovery phase following an episode of acute ill health.

The unit has 12 stroke rehabilitation beds where intense and individualised care is provided to aid recovery and rehab following a stroke.

This means people who can’t safely remain in their homes due to ill-health can be admitted to Timberdine rather than Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The aim is that patients already in the Royal can be discharged quicker into the Timberdine Unit, freeing up capacity for others experiencing an acute episode.

Modifications and other improvements are being carried out to the building, including new bathrooms and bedroom facilities.

While the unit is now fully functioning, finishing touches to the work continues and is due to be completed later in the spring.

Gill Pratt, matron at the Timberdine Community Unit, said: “Timberdine Community Unit works closely with the Health and Care Trust’s other community teams, GPs, the acute trust and other agencies to ensure we all work together for benefit of patients and of the local community. The unit is already supporting services in Worcester by alleviating some pressure on the acute hospital and as we begin to really establish ourselves we expect this benefit to continue.

“There are also opportunities for registered qualified nurses who want a new challenge and to be part of this exciting new unit here to apply to be part of our team; all our current vacancies are advertised online on the NHS Jobs website.”