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NHS Seacole: Covid-19 rehab centre takes first patients
May 28, 2020
The first hospital dedicated to helping coronavirus patients recover from the long-term effects of the illness has received its first patients.
Surrey's NHS Seacole Centre opened this month at Headley Court, a former rehab centre for injured soldiers.
Covid-19 patients can be left with tracheostomy wounds from having a tube inserted in the windpipe or need heart, lung or muscle therapy, the NHS said.
Others who have survived the virus may need psychological or social care.
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: "While our country is now emerging from the initial peak of coronavirus, we're now seeing a substantial new need for rehab and aftercare."
He said while patients had survived life-threatening complications, many would see a longer-lasting impact on their health.
More than 100 staff members have been recruited to work at the centre near Leatherhead, with initial plans for 130 beds and capacity for up to 300 if needed.
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Jamaican-born Mary Seacole cared for British soldiers during the Crimean War
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said frontline NHS staff had saved tens of thousands of lives and, while the battle with Covid-19 continued, NHS Seacole would provide dedicated rehab.
He said: "For some people this can be a debilitating illness, with lasting effects.
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