A NEW critical care rehabilitation unit has opened at Wigan's Royal Albert Edward Infirmary.

It includes an on-site gym and offers post critical care rehabilitation.

Pauline Law, director of nursing at the Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the borough's hospitals, says the unit aims to provide improved mobility and physical activity for patients, enhance their quality of life following critical care and reduce the risk of readmission.

“To help improve our patients' experience and ease them back into everyday life, we will now be able to deliver a post hospital discharge rehabilitation programme and follow-up service," she said.

“By utilising the specialised equipment, therapists can perform a number of treatments, including fall assessments and avoidance, early rehabilitation for amputees, assistance with reduced mobility and stroke support.”