Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust Opens New Stroke Rehabilitation Unit

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has formally opened its first new hospital ward in more than two decades, marking a major milestone at Camborne Redruth Community Hospital.

A special event was held to mark the opening of the Rosewarne Stroke Rehabilitation Unit, which is located within the hospital grounds. The unit has already cared for more than 200 patients since welcoming its first admissions on 2nd January 2025.

A landmark moment for stroke care

The formal opening included a plaque unveiling led by Margaret Schwarz, Chair of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, alongside Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall. They were joined by Rosewarne staff, Trust and NHS colleagues, the Guild of Friends and local councillors.

Speaking at the event, Margaret Schwarz said the new unit represented a significant improvement on previous facilities.

“We wanted to mark this occasion because we are so delighted with Rosewarne. Lanyon Ward was lovely and the care given was fantastic. However, these facilities are so much better for stroke rehabilitation. It has been a complete joy to see this building come to be.”

Colonel Edward Bolitho also praised the team and the focus on care closer to home.

“As we all know, no-one wants to go to hospital. Everyone wants to stay at home or within the community. The ability to do this better through this unit is a fantastic thing. Well done all the team!”

Modern facilities within a community hospital

Rosewarne offers a wide range of facilities designed to support stroke rehabilitation. These include dedicated areas for visiting, family meetings, speech and language therapy reviews, and meals away from patients’ bedsides, as well as a well-equipped therapy gym.

Debbie Richards, Chief Executive of the Trust, said the new ward has transformed what can be delivered within a community hospital setting.

“Not only does Rosewarne offer much better facilities for nursing, for therapy, and for rehabilitation, it is a much more comfortable and modern environment for patients and visitors. It has really brought community hospitals into the 21st century.

“It does not have the feel of a ‘cottage hospital’. This unit is now able to provide state-of-the-art facilities to support staff to deliver stroke rehabilitation, recovery, and care.”

Investment and care closer to home

The Trust received £3 million in government funding for the modular building, which was installed as vital repairs began on the existing Lanyon Ward.

At the time the unit opened, Matron Sue Greenwood highlighted the quality of modern modular NHS buildings and the importance of local care.

“The modular units we can have in the NHS now are really, really good. They are really robust. To all intents and purposes, they are a really lovely environment without the bricks around the outside.

“Across Cornwall, our aim is to deliver care closer to home. This unit enables our community to feel assured that if they do have to come to the unit for support following a stroke, they can receive their care within their local area. We are maintaining services much closer to people’s homes.”

Debbie Richards said she is “incredibly proud” of the investment made at the site since she became chief executive, describing the hospital as crucially important to local people and a place where people train, work and access a wide range of services.

The formal opening took place on 10th December 2025, a week before the new Camborne Redruth Community Diagnostic Centre welcomed its first patients.