The NRC was delighted to welcome Professor Suzanne Rastick OBE for a tour of our site and facilities ahead of opening our doors to our first patients later this year.
Prof Rastrick has been the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for England since September 2014, and was the first Allied Health Professional (AHP) to hold a substantive Director of Nursing post in both provider and commissioning organisations. She has also held non-executive portfolios outside of the NHS, including audit committee chair roles, predominantly in the housing and charitable sector.
Prof Rastrick said of her visit: "From my parallel life in housing, it was very impressive to see that this purpose-built facility is highly energy efficient, utilising modern methods of construction, and digitally advanced, with capability to incorporate additional cutting edge technology in the future.
"Following traumatic injury, long-term illness or surgery, many people can be discharged straight home from hospital with support from local community services, but for those with particularly complex needs, a period of specialist inpatient care at a rehabilitation facility is needed to significantly improve their recovery.
"Clinical rehabilitation at the NRC will be provided by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Its aim to drive excellence in rehabilitation both nationally and internationally will be underpinned by collaborations with academic research partners, and with the nearby Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre which will enable the sharing of best practice."
We thank Prof Rastrick for taking the time to visit and look forward to welcoming her back once our centre is open.