New state-of-the-art Rainbow Unit opens at Brooklands Hospital
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the new facilities, the Rainbow Unit has opened at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT)’s Brooklands Hospital in Marston Green in January 2021.
The new low secure unit will be dedicated for people with autism and a new individual care package service facility for people with a learning disability and/ or autism which will enable us to support individuals as they prepare for appropriately supported community living.
Service users who use the facilities will benefit from a self-contained apartment which includes a lounge area, bedroom and en-suite, with access to their own outside area. There will also be a day space area, kitchen, laundry, reception/ waiting room, therapy and multi-faith room.
Engagement has been carried out throughout the development to keep service users, carers, staff, the public and partner organisations updated and informed. The most recent engagement was to determine the new name of the unit and following the outcome of a survey the name of the new unit has been confirmed as the Rainbow Unit.
Mel Coombes, Chief Executive of CWPT said: “We are delighted that our ambitious plans to build a new state-of-the-art facility for people with complex needs has opened despite the difficulties we have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a testament to our staff, and everyone involved in making sure the new facilities are completed for people who require our services despite the additional pressures we have experienced during the pandemic.
“Staff and our service users have been involved throughout, which will enable us to provide high quality, flexible care that meets the needs of service users. I am very proud of what everyone has accomplished. We look forward to moving on to the next phase in our transformation programme to ensure we continue to provide high quality services.
Helen Stephenson, Interim Associate Director of Operations, Learning Disabilities and Autism at CWPT added: “Brooklands is already nationally recognised for the range of excellent care we provide for patients with a learning disability and the new facilities will enable us to extend our services to people with different needs.
“We are extremely pleased we have been able to officially open the Rainbow Unit today where we can provide much needed specialist care and support for people in the local area.”
The plans form part of the Trust’s transformation programme, which aims to improve health and care for people with a learning disability, autism or both, enable more people to access services that are closer to home and, with the right support, live within the community.
For more information visit our Transforming Care webpages at our website: www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk