Member Article

Work begins on neuro rehab facility

Building work on a major new service that will support people with traumatic and long-term neurological conditions has started in Middlesbrough.

‘The Gateway’ at Middlehaven is a multi-million pound project that will create over 100 new jobs in the region and is being led by Keiro (formally Whickham Villa LLP), which specialises in providing community based neuro-rehabilitation and support services in partnership with Erimus Housing, part of the Fabrick Group.

After receiving planning permission earlier this year, the deal for the land and construction of the facility have now been sealed and building has commenced with a view to the service opening in Winter 2013. The development has been funded by Lloyds TSB Commercial, which provided a £5.6 million loan towards the project.

The state-of-the-art facility will be the only one of its kind in the UK that consists of a residential ‘step forward’ rehabilitation centre, a specialist community wellbeing hub and a range of transitional housing options, provided by Erimus Housing, all on the same site.

It is being developed in collaboration with an array of service partners including Middlesbrough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Middlesbrough College, to support the NHS in terms of facilitating quicker discharge from hospital and reducing long term care costs by helping people live more independent lifestyles.

Boda Gallon, chief executive at Keiro, said: “We are thrilled to see the first spade in the ground at the site as it means our vision for the Gateway is now becoming a reality for all the partners involved in the project.

“The sight of the building physically being constructed will hopefully be a major boost to the local community and will signify positive things to come for people and families that need this type of rehabilitation service right on their doorstep.

“Furthermore, the huge investment in the Gateway will also assist with the ongoing regeneration of the local area here in Middlehaven and of course lead to the creation of many jobs and spin off business opportunities and partnerships.”

Malcolm Swan, relationship manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial, said: “After months of planning, it’s fantastic to see this extremely worthy project start to take shape. Keiro is set to make a real difference in the Middlesbrough community both in the treatment of illness and in the promotion of health. At Lloyds TSB Commercial we ensure that all our healthcare customers have their own dedicated specialist relationship manager with a real understanding of how the healthcare sector operates, so we were well placed to fund the project.”

At present, patients discharged from hospital-based specialist neuro and spinal units on Teesside often have to travel to Newcastle for specialist rehabilitation treatment, which is a major issue for those affected and their families.

Like its well-established sister site in Gateshead, Chase Park Neuro Centre, the Gateway will benefit those with serious brain and spinal injuries and support people in the Teesside area living with neurological and other long term conditions.

Backed by Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon, the socially-focused scheme includes an array of community health, spa and therapy services, vocational support, advice services from social enterprise, charitable, statutory and education partners for use by residents, their families, the local community and service partners from the NHS and Middlesbrough Council.

The facilities will include fully accessible bedrooms, a hydro-pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium, therapy and meeting rooms and a café, a knowledge centre and a range of other community facilities. Erimus Housing will provide a selection of transitional housing options on site to enable people to move towards increased independence with long term housing and support solutions.

Chris Smith, managing director at Erimus Housing, said: “Erimus Housing is proud to be a partner in this multi-million pound investment for Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley.

“The potential for the facility to impact positively on residents’ lives is fantastic and we will work closely with Keiro, the local health authority and its partners to develop and promote the health and wellbeing advantages of this much needed scheme.”

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, added: “I’m delighted to see real progress being made on this exciting and innovative scheme; it represents important investment in Middlehaven and further builds on the momentum of this key strategic site.

“As well as providing a state-of-the art facility, this project will also create much needed jobs and a real boost to the local economy.”

Keiro recently hosted the free Chase Park Music festival in Gateshead. Aimed at including people of all ages and abilities, breaking down barriers and cultural stereotypes associated with people with disabilities, the event attracted thousands of festivalgoers to see some of the region’s finest artists.

Keiro will be bringing similar new innovative and exciting projects to Teesside to help launch and support the services provided by the Gateway and its service partners.

For more information please visit www.keirogroup.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jodie Balmer .