A state-of-the-art integrated rehabilitation centre at Bournemouth’s AECC University College is expected to create 16 jobs.

The centre is set to be a national leader for community rehabilitation, bringing much-needed capacity to the region.

It aims to offer patients with multiple conditions, such as musculoskeletal problems, coordinated access to different clinical services and diagnostic tests within one facility.

The centre will be run by staff from AECC University College, in partnership with the NHS and other local healthcare providers.

Apart from the expected 16 new jobs. it will have 75 new students and add approximately £1.3m to AECC University College turnover over the first three years.

Dorset LEP is contributing £2.7m to the cost with an additional £3.1m matched funding.

The LEP funds are from an £11.8m allocation from the government’s ‘Getting Building Fund’, as first reported on Dorset Biz News in August 2020.

Professor Lesley Haig, pictured left, Vice-Chancellor of AECC University College, said: “We are uniquely well-placed to establish and manage a centre like this, dedicated to improving the quality of life of local people.

“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.

“The new facilities will also enhance placement opportunities for our students and those from other higher education providers.

“The facilities will allow us to grow provision into new areas in allied health, advanced clinical practice and other areas and specialisms in response to the demands of the local and regional health and care workforce.”

Lorna Carver, pictured right, Director of Dorset LEP, said the new centre would provide holistic support in one location.

She added: “This investment aligns to Dorset LEP’s agenda of promoting Dorset as an area with huge opportunities linked to the health agenda and health tech innovation.

“It is an important part of Dorset’s recovery plan.

“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.”

The centre will be located at the Garnet Campus, directly across the road from the main AECC University College campus in Boscombe.

It will be near the existing chiropractic clinic and diagnostic imaging facilities that are able to support approximately 1,000 patient contacts per week.

Subject to planning approval, it’s hoped work on the centre will start in the summer with completion by September 2022.

AECC University College has been a specialist higher education provider since 1965.

It provides education and training, research, clinical and consultancy services in health sciences including chiropractic, radiography, physiotherapy, psychology, sport rehabilitation, medical ultrasound and sport and exercise sciences.

The institution also offers clinical services to patients in chiropractic, sport therapy and diagnostic imaging (including an open MRI scanner, ultrasound and x-ray), providing support to the NHS, other healthcare providers and the health and wellbeing of the local community, with more than 50,000 patient visits to the site every year.