New therapy unit opens at Harrogate District Hospital
Specialised therapy services return to hospital site
The Willow Therapy Unit at Harrogate District Hospital has officially opened, marking the return of several specialised therapy services to the hospital's site.
Opened by Claire Arditto, National Head of Allied Health Professions at NHS England, the unit now hosts respiratory, cardiac, neurology, and amputee occupational therapy and physiotherapy out-patient services.
The services, along with podiatry and speech and language therapy, had been temporarily relocated off-site in 2024 due to RAAC concrete issues at the hospital. However, with the opening of the Willow Therapy Unit, these crucial services are now available on-site again.
Features and services of the Willow Therapy Unit
Situated outside the Briary Wing, the modular building was constructed in Mirfield, West Yorkshire and assembled on-site at Harrogate District Hospital.
The unit accommodates over 15 clinical staff and provides individual and group sessions for neurology, amputee, respiratory, and cardiac patients, aiding their rehabilitation and long-term condition management.
Designed to be bright, modern, and welcoming, the facility offers bespoke equipment to support recovery and a secure space for exercises.
Pam Bagot, Principal Physiotherapist for Stroke, Neurology, and Amputee Rehabilitation at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, expressed excitement about the services returning to one dedicated location.
“We’re really excited to return to the Harrogate District Hospital site with these services and staff coming back together in one dedicated location," Bagot said.
“This purpose-built clinical space has been designed with our therapy service in mind and provides a fantastic environment in which we can deliver high-quality care and support for our patients.”
Claire Arditto remarked on the significance of such a facility.
“It is a privilege to officially open the new Willow Therapy Unit at Harrogate District Hospital," Arditto said.
“The importance of a dedicated rehabilitation space cannot be underestimated, as it enables truly passionate, highly skilled and expert Allied Health Professionals to deliver outstanding care for patients.”