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Academic experts from across the UK are spearheading efforts to develop world-class rehabilitation research, innovation, education and training at the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC).

The 70 bed national centre of excellence in patient care, set to be built on the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough, has been developed to enable acute services and major trauma centres to deliver better patient outcomes and cost-efficient service.

The NRC will form part of the overall Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC) programme. This will enable collaboration with Defence medicine and the sharing of expertise (and some facilities), making innovation and the adoption of new approaches quicker and more successful.

By developing new ways of treating patients and aiding recovery, the NRC aims to lead a step change in rehabilitation and far improved outcomes for patients.

Transforming education and training within rehabilitation

Led by Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham, the centre will offer a strong learning environment and culture, acting as a centre of teaching excellence allowing rehabilitation practitioners to refine skills or upskill. This will establish the reputation of rehabilitation as an NHS discipline.

The potential for innovation is substantial with the partnership ambitious to push forward real improvements to clinical care, covering 3D printing of prostheses through to wearable technologies and medical devices to enable the development of cutting-edge treatments and assistive technologies, ultimately aiming to tackle future healthcare challenges.

Professor Mark Lewis, Dean of Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences said: “We are excited to be co-leading this consortium – the world-leading research and education expertise we have will be used to transform education and training within rehabilitation and provide patient health benefits through advanced rehabilitation pathways and techniques.”

Hear Professor Mark Lewis discuss his vision for the National Rehabilitation Centre on Loughborough University's Cuppa with a Scientist podcast.

Find out more

The National Rehabilitation Centre is expected to open to patients in early 2025. 

For more information about the NRC, please visit the NRC NHS website.

NRC NHS website