A new therapy unit at Harrogate District Hospital has officially opened, marking the return of respiratory, cardiac, neurology, and amputee occupational therapy and physiotherapy out-patient services to the hospital site.
The Willow Therapy Unit, formally opened by Claire Arditto, National Head of Allied Health Professions (AHP) at NHS England, provides out-patient bespoke specialist input and rehabilitation to these groups of patients.
These services, together with podiatry and speech and language therapy, were temporarily relocated off-site in 2024 following the discovery of RAAC concrete in the Therapy Service block at Harrogate District Hospital.
The former therapy area is now being redeveloped into a new Day Case Surgery and Imaging Department, which is due to open later this year.
Pam Bagot, Principal Physiotherapist for Stroke, Neurology and Amputee Rehabilitation at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We’re really excited to return to the Harrogate District Hospital site with these services and staff coming back together in one dedicated location.
“This purpose-built clinical space has been designed with our therapy service in mind and provides a fantastic environment in which we can deliver high-quality care and support for our patients.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the development of this facility, and it was a pleasure to see so many of them at our official opening.”
While podiatry and speech and language therapy will continue to be based at the HDFT Community Hub at 7 Grove Park Court in Harrogate, all other therapy services are now either in other locations on the hospital site or in the Willow Therapy Unit.
The modular building, situated outside the Briary Wing, was constructed in a factory in Mirfield, West Yorkshire before being transported to Harrogate District Hospital and assembled on-site.
The building will accommodate more than 15 clinical staff and provides individual and group sessions for neurology, amputee, respiratory and cardiac patients supporting their rehabilitation, recovery and management of their long term conditions.
Designed to offer a bright, modern and welcoming environment for both patients and staff, the new facility features bespoke equipment to aid their recovery and a safe place to exercise.
Claire Arditto added:
“It is a privilege to officially open the new Willow Therapy Unit at Harrogate District Hospital.
“The importance of a dedicated rehabilitation space cannot be underestimated, as it enables truly passionate, highly skilled and expert Allied Health Professionals to deliver outstanding care for patients.”
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