The multimillion-pound modern facility, which has been designed with sustainability in mind, will be delivered in only 5 months. This follows NCH&C’s announcement in August 2023 that it was one of thirty NHS organisations awarded funding to provide more beds and increase capacity to help relieve hospital pressures and cut waiting lists. The therapy-led unit, named Willow Therapy Unit following a vote by NCH&C staff, patients, families, and local residents, will improve the transition of patients from hospital care to the community, helping to ease pressure on local acute hospitals.

A multidisciplinary team of clinical professionals dedicated to patient recovery and wellbeing will be based at the new facility, which will play a key role in the delivery of patient-centred, supportive care in Norfolk and Waveney. The facility will include a combination of single and four-bedded bays, as well as treatment areas, an assessment kitchen and self-service café area where patients can make drinks for themselves and their families, staff amenities and a reception area. Merit’s in-house design team have curated a facility which prioritises ease of access whilst also catering to the footfall requirements of both patients and staff.