Patients and Staff celebrate the opening of the new World Class National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) on its campus in Dún Laoghaire 

This Summer, the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) staff and patients moved into the newly completed, long awaited, phase one hospital development on the NRH site.  The development is purpose built, with 120 single ensuite rooms, integrated therapy services, hydrotherapy pool and sports facilities, all of which are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of those requiring complex specialist rehabilitation services.  The design is patient-centred and based on the principles of empowerment, dignity, privacy, confidentiality and choice.  The first design of its kind in Ireland, this new hospital complies with best international practice and infection prevention and control guidelines.

This new facility will be a major enhancement to rehabilitation services in the country and will have a direct and significant impact on patient recovery. These new facilities will make a real difference to the lives of the children and adults who pass through the doors of the NRH.  The new building links into the clinical and support services that will remain in the existing hospital (Cedars building) until Phase Two of the New Hospital Project is completed.

Professor Mark Delargy, NRH Clinical Director, stated “This facility sets a new standard for accessibility and rehabilitation functionality for patients with significant disability. The provision of integrated therapy sessions delivered by Interdisciplinary Teams in the new ward-based therapy facilities will be a huge benefit to patients.”

Phase one of the three-phase major Capital Development is a partnership between the HSE, the NRH and the NRH Foundation.   The NRH Foundation support funded the building of this new facility and funds raised have also enabled us to facilitate the purchase of particular specialised rehabilitation equipment for the new hospital.

Where Have The Funds Gone?

Just some items support funded to date by the NRH Foundation for the new hospital, thanks to our generous supporters include:

• Funding support towards some building costs of the new development
• A new climbing wall facility and a new shooting range facility
• New fully accessible paediatric playground equipment
• The equipping of the adolescent den in the Paediatric Unit
• The equipping of a new multi-sensory therapy room in the Paediatric Unit
• Specialist assisted technology installation in 27 bedrooms
• The equipping of a new state of the art sports gym and multi sensory equipment for the hydrotherapy pool
• Specialised outdoor Putting Green
• Support funding for the new independent living unit
• The purchase of specialist rehabilitation equipment across the Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy Services

None of this would have been possible if it were not for the generosity of our donors, fundraisers and supporters – Thank you all for helping to make this dream a reality.

This is only the beginning of our journey, as we continue to source vital funds for the equipping of this world class development, and also as we strive towards phase two of this three phase project. Please consider supporting this project by donating or fundraising for the NRH Foundation.

The NRH Foundation was established in 1983.  The NRH Foundation is the registered charity dedicated to raising vital funds for the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH), for adults and children.