Boscombe is to have a new state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre.

Dorset LEP is to provide £2.7m of funding towards the creation of a new centre at AECC University College which will aim to offer patients with multiple conditions coordinated access to different clinical services and diagnostic tests within one facility.

The funding comes from Dorset LEP’s £11.8m award of the government’s ‘Getting Building Fund’ that supports the delivery of infrastructure projects to boost economic growth and fuel local recovery and jobs.

Utilising £3.1m of match-funding, the new Integrated Rehabilitation Centre at AECC University College is expected to result in the creation of 16 new jobs, 75 new learners and an increased turnover of £1.3m.

Lorna Carver, director of Dorset LEP, said, “The new Integrated Rehabilitation Centre will provide facilities to enhance student placements allowing them to study and practise in a multi-disciplinary community-based environment.

“As well as expanding on Dorset’s excellent reputation for healthcare innovation, this new centre will help address current skills gaps and lead to improved healthcare services and job creation in the sector. It will also play an active role in supporting the economic regeneration of Boscombe.”

Run by staff at AECC University College, in partnership with the NHS and other local healthcare providers, the Centre will combine a fully integrated rehabilitation clinic with leading-edge teaching and applied research. It is also expected that the centre will see an increased number of healthcare professionals graduating from AECC University College, helping to improve economic and social activity, and reducing the burden on health and social care budgets.

The centre will be located at the Garnet Campus which is directly across the road from the main AECC University College campus in Boscombe, near the existing Chiropractic Clinic and Diagnostic Imaging facilities.

Professor Lesley Haig, vice-chancellor of AECC University College, said, “The outbreak of COVID-19 has created immediate challenges for health and social care services, including supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of patients during and after COVID-19. This will just add to the pressures that are already on the services from an ageing population, increased obesity and mental health problems. Community rehabilitation can help address some of these challenges in a cost effective and patient-centred way.”