A vital new part of the Norfolk and Waveney health and care system
At the Willow Therapy Unit, we put the power in patients' hands, offering person-centred, goal-oriented support to help them recover and regain independence so they can get back to living their full lives, safely.
Our rehabilitation unit is staffed by an expert team who work closely with patients, families and carers, working with patients to get them back on their feet and remastering everyday skills. We provide 7-day therapy cover and operate a whole team approach, making every contact an opportunity for reablement, education and activity.
Making the transition out of hospital and back into the community easier, our rehabilitative care aims to reduce the chance of readmission, frees up bed spaces on local acute hospital wards, and improves patient outcomes.
Built for our community
Collaborative design
Enhanced patient support
In August 2023, NCH&C was awarded Department of Health and Social Care funding for the project to build a state-of-the-art reablement unit for 48 patients at its Norwich Community Hospital site.
The proposal was supported by the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Willow Therapy Unit will benefit many parts of the health and care system in Norfolk and Waveney.
We involved patients, carers, and staff in the planning and development of the Willow Therapy Unit. Gathering a wide range of views ensured the facility's design reflects the needs and requirements of the people that use it.
We even invited patients and our neighbours around Norwich Community Hospital to suggest names for the unit! 'Willow Therapy Unit' was the most popular name put forward to a vote.
The unit is designed to provide enhanced support for patients to recover and regain independence after a hospital stay.
It includes facilities like an assessment kitchen and a self-service café-style area to help patients build confidence in performing everyday tasks.
Seamless transition
Advanced technology
Continuous rehabilitation
Therapists and nursing colleagues will work closely together to support patients in achieving their functional goals, helping patients transition smoothly from acute hospitals, back into the community.
The therapy and enhanced support patients receive at the unit will reduce the chance of readmission to hospital, as well as the need for additional care when they leave.
Patients at the Willow Therapy Unit will benefit from using the latest therapy and rehabilitation technology. This includes the innovative NIRVANA system, which provides engaging audio-visual feedback to patients to accelerate their recovery.
Rehabilitation is provided continuously, not just during therapy sessions. Patients will be encouraged to perform simple movements throughout the day to improve their strength, confidence, and mobility.
Contact us
For more information about patient referrals, or suitability for rehabilitation, please contact the Willow Therapy Unit:
01603 272 500
Norwich Community Hospital, Bowthorpe Road, Norwich NR2 3TU