Proposed development of a recovery center by Dorset council under consideration

In an exciting development for residents across Dorset, a proposal for an 80-bed reablement centre has been presented to the local authority in Dorchester. The plan, created by the Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, aims to build a new centre on the grounds of Dorset County Hospital near Bridport and Damers Road.

This new centre is expected to reduce pressure on NHS beds and services, as it will increase capacity for recovery and rehabilitation care. Up to £80m has been earmarked for this purpose from Dorset Council's capital account.

The lack of suitable bedded rehabilitation services means that too many people must stay in long-term care or return to hospital, which isn't a viable option due to the current lack of hospital beds. The new centre will help patients who no longer need to be in hospital to be discharged quicker, improving health outcomes for Dorset Council residents in need of ongoing care and support.

Councillor Jane Somper, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, is looking forward to working with Dorset County Hospital to draw up more detailed plans. The new centre will build on work already progressed to support residents who are discharged from hospital or recovering at home.

The rehabilitation centres are also expected to help reduce pressures on the Council's finances due to demand and cost of adult social care services. They may also meet future demand for care services in Dorset, making them a significant part of the first development of a programme to ensure Dorset Council has the required care capacity.

The rehabilitation centres are a potential game-changer, with the potential to significantly impact the livelihoods of Dorset residents, enabling them to live independently with their families and in their communities. The proposed centre will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose facility for the future of care delivery for county residents.

For more news updates about health sector plans, consider reading Social Care Today. The partnership between the local authority and the NHS is potentially very exciting, and we look forward to seeing the progress of this project.