In August 2023 the Department of Health and Social Care announced £250 million to boost NHS capacity with 900 new beds. Following a successful bid, Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C) was awarded funding to build a modular, 48 bed unit on the Norwich Community Hospital (NCH) site.
Following a naming competition open to local residents, patients, families and carers, as well as NCH&C staff, a vote to choose the unit’s name from shortlisted suggestions saw Willow Therapy Unit emerge as the overwhelming favourite.
Set to be completed by June 2024, the location of the Willow Therapy Unit at NCH creates a strong link with Norfolk’s largest acute hospital, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
The type of care provided at Willow Therapy Unit will help reduce the length of stay for patients and facilitate their seamless transition from hospital back into the community, reducing the risk of hospital readmission.
Actively involving patients in their care
Patients at the Willow Therapy Unit will be supported to play an active role in their own care and feel confident about performing daily activities when they leave. The restorative environment will enable patients to make steady, step-by-step improvements and gain independence as they prepare to return home.
Facilities such as an assessment kitchen and self-service café area, where patients can make drinks for themselves and their families, will help ensure patients leave the Willow Therapy Unit confident in their independence.
If patients require Technology Enabled Care to assist their daily living when they return home, they will be given training to use the equipment at the unit. Activities such as exercise classes and other support provided by third-sector partners will further support patient recovery.
We’re recruiting!
We have exciting opportunities to join the multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals dedicated to patient recovery and wellbeing at the Willow Therapy Unit.
Visit our dedicated recruitment website to find out more.