Leeds brain injury centre re-designed to improve patient accessibility

One of the UK’s first facilities to provide a home for people who have experienced a major brain injury has experienced a transformational million-pound refurbishment.

Founded in 1992, Daniel Yorath House – the Leeds-based specialist neurobehavioral rehabilitation centre for people with an acquired brain injury, is set to welcome residents to 21 new upgraded rooms next month.

The centre was opened by The Disabilities Trust (DT) – an organisation committed to improving the lives of people with acquired brain injuries – which has now fitted the institution with widened doorways and special bedrooms for people undergoing treatment for obesity.

In addition, the charity have introduced assisted bathrooms that are complete with accessible baths and ceiling hoists have been installed into bedrooms.

As well as upgrading the facility to help patients, measures have also been introduced to assist staff members – two airlock entry points have been created in the reception area to boost safety measures.

Although the centre was created to help patients who have suffered a severe brain injury, DT believe they should still feel like home and provide patients with a sense of independence. 

Against this backdrop, kitchen facilities have been upgraded to assist patients with getting their own food and drink and rooms have been upgraded to increased power points and USB sockets for personal use and essential equipment. Alongside this, fob entry systems have also been created to eliminate the need for keys.

The refurbishment programme, which began in March 2022, has resulted in a limited number of patients being able to stay in the centre, but the specialist health-sector contractors that have been involved with completing the project, have tried to minimise the amount of disruption as much as possible.

Upgrading the centre has also provided a vast amount of job opportunities – the rehabilitation establishment is currently recruiting clinical, care and administration staff as the capacity of the centre is set to increase once the refurbishments are completed next month.

Irene Sobowale, Chief Executive of the Disabilities Trust, said: ‘We are committed to constantly improving and innovating as we continue to deliver the best possible outcomes.

‘I am thrilled that we can continue to provide the world-class neurorehabilitation that Daniel Youth House is known for, in a much improved, modern setting.

‘Adapting and refreshing our services to the needs of the people we support, whilst enabling their independence, is essential, and I’m excited to see the service back to its full capacity from April.’

Image: Robina Weermeijer and The Disabilities Trust