Inside the new Plym Neuro Rehab Unit at Mount Gould

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

The unit has been completely reimagined, moving away from an old ward format to a new spacious fit-for-purpose layout, that offers more space to help reenable patients after a traumatic injury or surgery. The service is run by Livewell Southwest to support a return to independent living through targeted neuro rehabilitation after the acute phase of their recovery.

The new Plym Neuro has been built in the space vacated within the Local Care Centre, by moving Livewell’s Podiatry and Orthotics services to the Beauchamp Centre on the Mount Gould site. Building work began in the vacated space in October 2023 and the build has been completed months ahead of schedule.

The former Plym Neuro was opened in 2005, converting existing wards into residential and gym space to support rehabilitation. Sally Stephenson, Livewell’s Matron for Neuro Rehab 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.”

The aim of the rehabilitation process is to support a return to independent living and the new spacious layout will encourage patients to move around with greater ease, helping to rebuild their cognitive and motor skills.

The new unit has seven single occupancy rooms (compared to three in the former unit). Each room is fully en suite and equipped with full overhead hoisting facilities to support patients at every stage of their rehabilitation and individual rooms provide a greater level of privacy. There are two bays of four-beds for service users that may have enhanced care needs.

Therapy and treatment spaces feature both standard and wheelchair height kitchen work surfaces.​ This aims to enhance the independence of patients during their stay on the unit, ready for when they can return home.​

There is a special room for those who are approaching discharge, which is fitted with basic kitchen facilities, including a microwave, kettle and fridge. When asked why this is so important, Matron Sally Stephenson explained: “Patients benefit from practicing their independent living skills throughout the day and night, in addition to the targeted therapy sessions we provide, so this new facility extends the scope of the rehabilitation that we can provide. It can enable patients to prepare their own simple meals or share a meal they have prepared with their family, as they would at home.”

Kay Rangasmy has been an inpatient at the current Plym Neuro since August.  She has been receiving treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition that affects the nerves, movement and things such as breathing and heartbeat.

Kay has had a sneak preview of the new unit before transferring next week. “When you go in, you are just hit by this amazing space. I particularly like the clever colour coding of areas so you know where you are, and the individual lights you can bring over the bed in the patient bays. They will make a big difference to people like me as I don’t sleep very well. This design means I can stay up late and not disturb other people.

“I used to work as a cook, so I am looking forward to making my own meals in the new facilities during my rehab sessions with the Occupational Therapists.  This will give patients a real taste of independence for life outside.

“I think the new unit will be brilliant for the clinical teams too.  They will have a space that they can really work in. They are the amazing people who make us well again.”

Over nearly two decades, the former Plym Neuro has supported people to take their first steps following life-altering events. The multidisciplinary team works closely with service users in designing rehabilitation programmes that are suited to an individual’s personal goals. Josh Jones is one of many who are thankful for the support of the Plym Neuro Team.

Josh was transferred to Plym Neuro in December 2022 following the removal of a large brain tumour at Derriford Hospital. Josh was on holiday with friends in Germany when he experienced an unexpected seizure.

Following an operation to remove the tumour, he was transferred to the Plym Neuro Rehab Unit for a period of targeted neuro rehabilitation to regain control of his right leg.

Josh had a clear goal, not just to walk, but to run and to hike, with the eventual wish of signing up for a marathon. Following the removal of the tumour, it was found that Josh would require chemotherapy as the tumour was a stage three aggressive form of cancer.

Speaking of his experiences with the Plym Neuro Team, Josh said: “You can input into your own goals, not just be told this is what you’re doing. It was very much ‘this is what we think, but what do you want to do and how can we modify it to suit you?’ which was great. The first run was more of a stumbled jog, but just to feel my heart actually beating quickly for the first time in a while was really good.

“I didn’t remotely envisage running within five weeks, so just a massive thank you to all the staff who just made me feel so welcome.”

There has been lots of positive news in the time since Josh was with Plym Neuro. He is now in remission and has not only completed a half-marathon, but is currently trekking across South America.

To commemorate the completion of the build, Livewell welcomed key partners to the new facility ahead of the transfer of patients. “The stories that we hear from those that have passed through the doors of Plym Neuro over the years is what brings us all here today. This development has been the culmination of several years of partnership working to deliver a modernised facility, which will deliver better outcomes for those who stay with us.” said Livewell’s Chief Executive, Michelle Thomas.

“We are about to transfer patients into the unit many months ahead of schedule and I would like to thank all of our partners for making this new unit a reality and for incorporating the feedback of our staff and those with lived experience to bring this vision to life.”

The redevelopment has been funded by Community Health Partnerships (CHP) and represents one of their largest funding projects to date. Speaking at the event, James Bawn, Strategic Director of Community Health Partnerships said: “I’m delighted to see the new Plym Neuro Rehabilitation Unit officially open. 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.”

Mount Gould Local Care Centre is a key component of healthcare provision in the city, developed and managed by local LIFT Company, ReSound Health who provided comprehensive project management support for the delivery of the new unit.  Adrian Griffin from ReSound Health said: “On behalf of ReSound Health, I am really pleased to see the Plym Neuro Rehabilitation Unit officially open. 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.”

The new Plym Neuro was developed by Nevada Construction, who were welcomed back for the celebration. Colin Aldworth said: “It has been a privilege for Nevada Construction to deliver the design and construction phase of the Plym Neuro project. This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration, with the entire project team working closely together throughout the delivery of this important scheme. As a local company, we deeply value the benefits that this substantial investment will bring to Plymouth and the surrounding areas.”

Patients will begin to transfer across to the new unit on Tuesday 10 December, at which point the old Plym Neuro will close.