HEALTH SECTOR NEWS
New specialist rehabilitation hospital for Stoke Mandeville
Development of the Active Neuro Stoke Mandeville Private Rehabilitation Hospital will commence following an agreement between Active Care Group and WheelPower. Due to open in Summer 2027, the
new 52-bed hospital will set a new benchmark in specialist spinal and neurological rehabilitation for patients with a spinal or neurological injury. Located next to Stoke Mandeville’s National Spinal Injuries Centre, the facility will treat approximately 250 patients a year. The development – on an existing site at Stoke Mandeville Stadium – represents a major milestone for complex care provider Active Care Group and charity partner WheelPower. The new hospital will provide:
n State-of-the-art rehabilitation environments designed for spinal and neurological recovery, including robotic gait and arm training, virtual-reality balance systems, augmented-reality therapy and neuromuscular stimulation.
n High-quality inpatient and day therapy areas designed to
NHS England praises
Airedale RAAC management
support intensive, multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
n Two technology-enabled, AI- integrated trial and step-down flats, where patients can safely practice daily activities before returning home.
n A dedicated ventilated high- dependency unit (HDU) to support patients with complex respiratory and medical needs.
n A specialist hydrotherapy pool designed to support accessible, patient-centred rehabilitation for patients with spinal injuries and clients with disabilities.
Kier appointed to deliver major
Kier will deliver a new, purpose-built OT extension for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) at Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds. At the heart of the £32m scheme
is a new three-storey theatre block, providing two modern operating theatres and associated support spaces. These facilities will enable more procedures to be carried out, helping to reduce waiting times and improve access to specialist care for patients across the region. The project also includes the
development at Chapel Allerton Hospital expected in late 2027. Steve Lynn, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “Chapel Allerton Hospital plays a vital role in supporting patients across Leeds, and this investment will make a real difference to both patient care and staff experience. Modern theatre facilities and upgraded wards will increase capacity and create a more supportive environment for recovery. “Alongside delivering high-
creation of a new inpatient ward through the refurbishment of existing areas within the hospital. This will provide high-quality, modern accommodation for patients, supporting recovery in a more comfortable and fit-for-purpose environment.
Alongside clinical benefits,
the scheme will create improved working environments for staff, including enhanced theatre facilities, upgraded ward areas, and additional support space. Work has now begun on site, with completion
quality healthcare facilities, we’re committed to working closely with the Trust to create lasting value locally – through skills and employment opportunities, engagement with schools and communities, and supporting regional supply chains. “Once complete, the scheme
will help more patients receive treatment sooner and enhance the quality of care across the hospital.”
28 Health Estate Journal August 2026
Representatives visited wards and clinical areas to see how AGH Solutions monitors the condition of RAAC panels and undertakes ongoing mitigation works while maintaining a fully operational hospital environment. Ian Rowlan, estates delivery lead for the East Region at NHS England, said: “The work being undertaken at Airedale General Hospital is fantastic. The level of commitment and professionalism demonstrated across the team is clear, and it’s evident how much effort goes into ensuring the estate remains safe and operational.”
n Purpose-built communal and therapeutic spaces designed to enhance recovery, participation and patient experience, including a cinema room, outdoor wellbeing spaces, and other areas that support rehabilitation beyond the clinical setting.
n Family accommodation to support recovery, participation, and reintegration.
n A purpose-built AI learning, education and conference hub aimed at advancing research, innovation, and quality in rehabilitation treatment and care.
NHS England representatives have praised work being undertaken by AGH Solutions to manage RAAC at Airedale General Hospital. Ian Rowlan, estates delivery lead for the East Region at NHS England, visited the West Yorkshire hospital on National Healthcare and Facilities Day alongside Kevin Keogh, chartered construction senior project manager with Robertson Construction, which is delivering RAAC strengthening works on-site. The visit provided an
opportunity to showcase the extensive inspection, monitoring, and maintenance programme that has been developed to manage RAAC across the hospital estate. Airedale General Hospital is one of several NHS sites nationally affected by RAAC, a lightweight construction material widely used between the 1950s and 1990s. AGH Solutions, part of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, is responsible for delivering the programme of inspections, risk assessments, maintenance, and strengthening works required to ensure the continued safety and operational resilience of the estate.
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