A vital transformation has been completed at The Ridge Hill Centre, Stourbridge, as works to repurpose the annexe building into a dedicated Stroke Rehabilitation Unit for the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.
The £1.5 million project, funded by Community Health Partnerships (CHP) and delivered through the Productivity Acceleration in Community Estates (PACE) programme, has revitalised the site, bringing much-needed, therapy-led care to the community in partnership with the Black Country Integrated Care Board and Dudley Infracare LIFT Limited.
Relocation of rehabilitation services into Ridge Hill Centre supports commitment to the PACE programme, a national CHP initiative to prioritise the delivery of opportunities to increase productivity across the LIFT estate. CHP will continue to work with and support ICBs and Trusts in their strategic initiatives to identify potential opportunities.
The building operates as an outpatient centre with services including psychiatry, psychology, PAMHS nurses, speech and language therapy, dysphagia, occupational therapy, epilepsy, community nursing and physiotherapy. This redevelopment marks more than just a building upgrade, it is a strategic move towards smarter care delivery, better use of LIFT assets, and improved outcomes for stroke patients across Dudley.
The changes have utilised vacant space in the annex building to house extra accommodation for the Dudley Group’s rehabilitation unit. Since the opening of Midland Metropolitan Hospital and the closures of Sandwell General and City Hospitals, patient numbers have surged.
The redevelopment at Ridge Hill has increased bed capacity by transferring patients who no longer require acute care into a more suitable, recovery-focused environment closer to home. This supports the Government’s ambition to deliver more care within the community and reduce reliance on hospital settings.
Alongside the annexe redevelopment, CHP is also exploring opportunities to enhance the main building and expand clinical capacity. These improvements will further strengthen local services and align with the Government’s goal of providing more care closer to home, particularly in areas with the greatest health needs.
After my stroke I wasn’t sure how much independence I would get back. The team here have been brilliant. They have taken the time to encourage me when things feel hard, the support has really helped build my confidence. Having a community site with the garden space, built-in gym and kitchen area, enables me to feel much more confident in regaining my abilities. I still have a way to go, but I feel stronger and much better prepared for going home.
It has been incredibly exciting to be part of this development. We are so passionate about stroke rehabilitation and ensuring the people of Dudley have equitable access to high-quality services. It is fantastic and extremely rewarding to work in an environment that empowers patients to regain their independence. Providing opportunities for meaningful rehab, both within the unit and outdoors, helps to rebuild confidence and skills in real world settings that are not always easily accessible in the acute hospital environments. The feedback from patients and their families has been so positive, and we are already seeing significant improvements in patient outcomes, which is a testament to the dedication of entire team working here.
The changes at Ridge Hill are another excellent example of how CHP are supporting the delivery of neighbourhood care. This project demonstrates the impact we can deliver through the PACE programme. Alongside our partners, the new stroke rehabilitation unit will deliver care closer to home and further utilise a fantastic LIFT asset. It will also allow a space for patients to recover in a modern, fit-for-purpose suite, outside of an acute hospital setting.
A stroke can have a life-changing impact, not only for the person affected but for their loved ones too. Rehabilitation is a vital part of recovery, helping people rebuild their lives, build confidence, independence and the skills they need. The opening of Ridge Hill Stroke Rehabilitation Unit means patients in Dudley can access specialist rehabilitation in a dedicated environment, with facilities designed to support their recovery. Ridge Hill showcases Dudley’s dedication to supporting the NHS 10 year plan in reducing pressure on acute hospitals and placing healthcare much closer to home in the local community. We are incredibly proud of this endeavour.
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