An historic Midlands health charity for residents with complex neurological conditions has launched a major review of its facilities to ensure it continues to meet changing care needs.
Castel Froma Neuro Care was founded in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire in 1874 and is one of only two centres of its kind in England, with NHS patients coming from across the Midlands and further afield.
The renowned charity provides specialist care, treatment, rehabilitation and comprehensive therapeutic facilities for people with conditions ranging from brain injuries to multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s diseases.
Castel Froma is currently based in two properties at Lillington House and Helen Ley House, which between them care for approximately 90 residents at any one time.
Caroline Wilson, Chair of Castel Froma, said: “At Castel Froma, we’re dedicated to providing worldclass care and therapy to residents with profound neurological conditions and the aftermath of severe head injuries.
“How health care is delivered is rapidly changing. We want to make sure we offer the best places to meet the needs of residents for decades to come, ensuring we offer the NHS maximum value for money.
“A key area to review is whether this care is best delivered on two sites, or whether further development on one site might be more beneficial in order to provide the best facilities for residents.
“Lillington House is largely a Victorian era building, with a 1990s extension. The majority of bedrooms at Lillington House are not ensuite, the building is very old and we wish to provide improved facilities for residents, who reasonably expect ensuite rooms.
“The Trustees are considering a number of options including whether the building can be fully modernised, or whether it makes more sense to rebuild a new centre in the extensive grounds at Lillington Road, or alternatively to further extend our Helen Ley site.
“Trustees are also considering the possibility of building a new community hub on the Lillington Road site for those residents who require regular therapy but no longer need residential care. No decisions have yet been taken and we are exploring all these options as part of our review.”
The Castel Froma charity has 215 staff including specialist nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational and speech therapists, psychologists and other therapy and care professionals.
Ms Wilson pointed out that the review was primarily looking at Castel Froma’s facilities, not its staffing, and was about how and where to deliver care. She said the review would include advice from property experts who are exploring options with suitable developers and partners.
Ms Wilson added: “This review is focused on our commitment to the best care of our residents, whose needs are at the heart of everything we do.
“We’re excited at the possibilities, including the potential creation of a new community out-patient hub. Most people with brain injuries or neurological conditions prefer to remain at home as long as there is adequate support, and our dedicated staff will be crucial in enabling us to provide this service.
“Castel Froma Neuro Care has developed its services for more than 150 years, changing with the times. It’s now time to explore whether our existing sites are the best way to meet the care needs of our residents. The outcome of the review, and any resulting proposals, will be communicated to staff and residents as soon as possible.”
