Work starts on £25m neuro centre

Work is starting on a £25m centre for people with a disability caused by injuries or disease affecting the brain, spinal cord or muscles.

Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority has given the final go-ahead for the Northern Neuro-Disability Centre.

The 65-bed centre is being built at Walkergate, Newcastle, and is due to be completed by late 2006.

It will combine services from hospital centres in Newcastle and Prudhoe.

Health authority chief executive David Flory said: "This is a much-needed development and will result in benefits for patients from across the North East by bringing together a range of services under one roof.

Patients involved

"The centre will provide long-term care for a small number of patients and rehabilitation and treatment, with an average stay of about six months, for others.

"It will also provide a range of community services to help people after discharge from the centre."

Patients, carers and staff have been involved with the development of the centre.

Facilities will include gymnasiums, including one with specialist equipment for people with neuro-disabilities and a hydrotherapy pool.

The main services to be brought into the new centre are currently provided at Hunters Moor Hospital, St Nicholas Hospital and Prudhoe Hospital.