People recovering from life-changing brain and spinal cord injuries in Plymouth and surrounding areas will now have their unique rehabilitation needs supported in a modernised space, thanks to a £6.9m redevelopment of the Plym Neuro Rehabilitation Unit at Mount Gould Local Care Centre (LCC).

Delivered by Nevada Construction, Mount Gould LCC is a key component of healthcare provision in the city, developed and managed by local LIFT Company, ReSound Health, which provided comprehensive project management support for the delivery of the unit.

It is centrally situated on the Mount Gould Hospital estate and currently provides a range of services including inpatient, outpatient, community, and primary healthcare services all under one roof.

The reconfigured unit has been completely reimagined, moving away from an old ward format to a new, spacious, fit-for-purpose layout that offers more facilities to help re-enable patients after a traumatic injury/surgery.

Inpatients will undergo a bespoke package of rehabilitation with the support of therapists from Livewell Southwest.

The redevelopment has been funded by Community Health Partnerships (CHP) and represents one of its largest capital projects to date.

The project’s success has been a culmination of joined-up partnership working across both NHS and private partners, including CHP, ReSound Health Limited, gbpartnerships, NHS Property Services (NHSPS), LiveWell, University Hospitals Plymouth Trust NHS Trust, Devon Integrated Care Board, and NHS England.

The new unit will have the capacity to deliver additional annual appointments, improving patient outcomes in the local community within a primary care setting.

Speaking at the official opening, James Bawn, strategic business development director from CHP, said: “The project is a testament to the power of collaborative working between both private and public sector partners, all sharing a joint vision, leading to improved healthcare delivery across the local community.

“CHP’s £6.9m capital investment will enable services to be delivered from a safe and modern environment, supporting many patients in the crucial stages of their recovery.”

Adrian Griffin from ReSound Health, the landlord of Mount Gould LCC, added: “ReSound Health’s comprehensive and expert project management support has enabled the project finish three months ahead of schedule, meaning the service can occupy the space ahead of Christmas 2024.

“This was achieved within the fixed budget established in summer 2022.

“The project exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in the healthcare sector.”

And Sally Stephenson from the Plym Neuro team said: “Little had changed over the years at the former Plym Neuro site, with a limited number of side rooms and shower facilities that did not support the needs of our clients.

“The new environment is brighter, more spacious, and fit for purpose.

“The new unit will support the team to meet the needs of all patients in a timelier way and support infection control procedures.

“During the last two years, the unit admitted more than 170 patients. This number is likely to increase as we will be able to admit patients quicker and not be limited by a male:female patient ratio.”