Your next step towards home
After a stay in hospital, you may need more care before you go home. At the Willow Therapy Unit, we provide the support you need to recover and regain your independence.
Our team of healthcare professionals will care for you during your stay. They will work with you and your family to help you regain your strength. They will help you with everyday skills so you can get back to living your life, safely.
To enable this, we will start planning for your discharge from the Willow Therapy Unit as soon as you are admitted.
We encourage families and carers to participate in this process by sharing any relevant information about the home environment, such as furniture heights.
What's different
Who will look after you
What to expect
At the Willow Therapy Unit, your rehabilitation happens around the clock, not just during therapy sessions. All ward staff will know your goals and support you in working towards them. They will encourage you to be as independent as possible in carrying out the daily activities that are meaningful and important to you.
For example, we might encourage you to brush your own hair or reach for your slippers instead of doing it for you.
Simple movements like this throughout the day help you progress, improving your strength, confidence, and mobility.
Our friendly, expert team cares for patients from across Norfolk and Waveney. We use the latest therapy tools and techniques to help patients reach their goals and become more independent.
This makes the transition from hospital to home easier. It also reduces the chance of being readmitted to hospital.
When you arrive at the Willow Therapy Unit, a member of the team will help you set achievable recovery goals. They will create a treatment plan with you to help you improve your movement and your ability to carry out everyday tasks.
We will review these goals regularly to make sure you are on track throughout your stay.
Your role in your recovery
Support after you leave
Families and carers
During your stay, we ask that you:
- Work towards a target discharge date (we will help you set this when you arrive).
- Tell us about your usual daily routines, hobbies, and activities.
- Get up and dressed every day so you can take part in activities.
- Bring your own clothes and toiletries to make your stay more comfortable.
Before you leave, we will assess any ongoing goals or health and care needs you have. We will discuss a follow-up support plan, which may include home visits from health and social care teams for continued support or to review your progress.
If you have any questions or would like an update on your loved one's care, please feel free to contact the nurse in charge at 01603 272 500. They will be able to provide you with the latest information.
If you usually help care for your loved one and would like to continue doing so while they are at the Willow Therapy Unit, please speak with one of the clinical leads. We're here to support you in staying involved in their care to ensure a smooth transition back into the community.
Contact us
Where is the Willow Therapy Unit?
The Willow Therapy Unit is located at the Norwich Community Hospital.
Address:
Norwich Community HospitalBowthorpe RoadNorwichNR2 3TU
Telephone:
01603 272 500
Visiting hours
Our visiting hours are 10am to 8pm daily.
Getting there - Local Travel Options
On Foot
The Willow Therapy Unit can be accessed on foot from Bowthorpe Road and Dereham Road via a woodland path. Only the Bowthorpe Road entrance is step-free.
By Bicycle
The unit is close to National Cycle Route 1 (Marriott's Way) and within 200 metres of the Norwich Pedalways Neighbourhood Route on Bowthorpe Road.
Cycle parking is available directly outside both entrances.
A Beryl cycle and scooter bay is located outside the Bowthorpe Road entrance: https://beryl.cc/
By Bus
Bus stops are located on both Bowthorpe Road (Route 21/21A) and Dereham Road (Routes 23, 23A, and 24A). Only the Bowthorpe Road entrance offers step-free access.
The closest stop is Adelaide Street. There is a reduced service on weekends and public holidays.
By Train
The nearest station is Norwich Railway Station (NR1 1EF), approx. 2 miles away - a 45-minute walk or 15-minute cycle. Plan your journey at: www.travelnorfolk.co.uk/journey-planner/
Services run 24/7 to destinations including Great Yarmouth, Sheringham, and London. Operated by Greater Anglia: www.greateranglia.co.uk/
By Car
Access is via Bowthorpe Road (30 mph limit), with signal-controlled junctions at both ends connecting to Guardian Road and Dereham Road.
While the road is lit, some stretches are dimly lit.
- Entrance A: Main car park for visitors and staff
- Entrance B: Disabled parking and 15-minute drop-off bays (also used for Willow Therapy Unit visitor parking)
- Entrance C: Trust vehicles and limited staff parking
Clear signage indicates disabled, ambulance, and drop-off bays, as well as pay-and-display instructions.
Parking Charges:
- First 20 minutes: Free
- Up to 2 hours: £1.50
- Up to 3 hours: £2.00
- Up to 4 hours: £3.00
- Up to 6 hours: £4.00
- Up to 8 hours: £10.00
- Evenings (6:00 pm - 7:00 am), weekends & public holidays: £1.00
Charges apply 24/7.