Introduction
The Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care System (ICS) brings together organisations like the NHS, local councils, community groups, and the voluntary sector to support people’s health and care needs. We have a common vision to “enable people across Coventry and Warwickshire to start well, live well and age well, promote independence and put people at the heart of everything we do.” We work together to help over one million residents in Coventry and Warwickshire to live healthier, happier lives with access to effective, sustainable care when and where they need it.
The NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), established in July 2022, oversees the NHS budget for the area. It plans and commissions health services, working closely with local partners to ensure a joined-up approach. The ICB plays a key role in shaping the future of health and care services, focusing on collaboration, better outcomes, and realising the benefits of integrated care.
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) are the NHS hospital trust who provide community bedded services in South Warwickshire.
What is this document about?
NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICB invites current and former patients, staff, stakeholders, local residents, and interested organisations to participate in a consultation about the future permanent locations of 35 community hospital rehabilitation beds in South Warwickshire.
We know patients recover better and more quickly at home. We have services in place to support that and it means more people than ever are able to leave our acute hospitals and go straight back to their homes or usual place of residences.
However, there will always be people who need further rehabilitation support as an inpatient in a community hospital before they are able to go home. In South Warwickshire, we have 35 rehabilitation beds available to support this cohort of people. We support about 550 patients a year through this service.
Until recently these beds were at the Ellen Badger Hospital and Stratford Hospital. In 2022 we temporarily moved the beds at the Ellen Badger Hospital to the Leamington Spa Hospital. Now we want to consider where to put these beds permanently. If we were to spread the beds across three sites, the only possible arrangement is to have 12 beds at two of the sites, and 11 at the other.
This consultation seeks to understand the potential impacts of the proposed changes to the location of our 35 rehabilitation beds and gather feedback before any decisions are made. Your views are vital in shaping a decision that ensures the best, patient-centred care for all.
How do I use this document?
This document is here to explain our proposals and how you can share your views. It:
- Gives the background and reasons for these changes
- explains the two options and the pros and cons of each
- tells you how to share your thoughts, when the consultation ends, and how your feedback will be used.
You can also visit our website to view documents with more detailed information about the proposals. We need your help to make the best decision for everyone.
What is included in the consultation?
The permanent location of the 35 community-based rehabilitation beds, including the 16 beds temporarily relocated to Leamington Spa Hospital in 2022. We want to understand the impacts on patients, their families, and the community in terms of access, quality of care, and travel considerations.
What is not included in our consultation?
This consultation is ONLY about community hospital rehabilitation beds. It does NOT include:
- changes to other hospital services
- changes to use or location of other types of hospital beds
- emergency or urgent care services or any other health services not related to rehabilitation
We look forward to hearing your thoughts! Your opinions will help us shape the future of care in Coventry and Warwickshire