University Hospital Llandough – Rookwood Relocation

Overview

The relocation of Rookwood Hospital’s spinal and neurological rehabilitation services to University Hospital Llandough (UHL) marks a major transformation in patient care for South Wales. The new state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre replaces outdated facilities, offering modern, purpose-built spaces designed to support patient recovery and independence.

Designed to enhance patient outcomes, the unit includes a 26-bed spinal cord injury rehabilitation ward, a 24-bed neuro-rehabilitation ward, a critical care service, hydrotherapy pools, and independent living spaces to aid the transition back to everyday life.

Delivered in a live hospital environment, the project involved the refurbishment of 4,248m² across multiple wings, stripping spaces back to the structure before integrating four new single and double-height extensions, adding an additional 1,400m². Throughout the build, the project team worked seamlessly with hospital staff, stakeholders, and patients to minimize disruption and deliver a world-class rehabilitation facility.

Project Delivery & Challenges Overcome

Operating within a 24/7 live hospital environment, meticulous planning was required to ensure that critical care services remained uninterrupted. Advanced logistics and phasing strategies enabled construction to progress while safeguarding patient care.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, clinical services were disrupted across the hospital. The construction team responded by accelerating key elements of the build, allowing areas to be handed over earlier than planned. A clean corridor system was created, enabling patients to access operational theatres eight months ahead of schedule.

To prevent disturbances to adjacent ICU wards, noise and dust monitoring systems were installed both above and below slabs, providing real-time alerts to ensure environmental control. Sound baffles and extract systems further mitigated disruptions, ensuring hospital services continued smoothly.

Decanting services from Rookwood Hospital presented additional complexities. A new phasing strategy was introduced, enabling the early completion of core structures, allowing internal works to progress without impacting the hospital’s ongoing services.

State-of-the-Art Rehabilitation Facilities

The new rehabilitation hub at UHL provides a cutting-edge environment for patient recovery, integrating:

• Specialist therapy spaces, including an advanced hydrotherapy unit for spinal injury patients.

• Independent living suites, allowing patients to develop life skills before returning home.

• Accessible outdoor therapy gardens, designed to aid mobility and mental well-being.

• Critical care services, ensuring high-dependency patients receive round-the-clock care in a specialist setting.

The facility offers an interconnected approach to rehabilitation, combining clinical, psychological, and social support services under one roof.

Sustainability & Social Impact

The Rookwood Relocation Project is a flagship example of sustainable and socially responsible construction, aligning with Welsh Government’s Well-being of Future Generations Act and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

• Carbon Net Positive Initiative: The team planted 41 trees in a local orchard, offsetting construction emissions and achieving net-positive carbon impact.

• Energy Efficiency: Insulation upgrades, double-glazed windows, and energy-efficient boilers significantly reduced operational carbon output.

• Sustainable Reuse: A disused postgraduate bungalow on-site was repurposed into project offices, avoiding temporary cabin use and saving £50,000 in hire costs.

• Plastic-Free Commitment: Single-use plastics were eliminated on-site, with all materials selected to minimize environmental impact.

Community & Training Opportunities

The project generated £8.3 million in social value, exceeding targets by 38%.

• Employment & Training: 48 new jobs created, with 19 opportunities for disadvantaged individuals.

• 219 weeks of upskilling & training, supporting apprentices, trainees, and career changers.

• 2,771 student interactions, including careers events, STEM workshops, and mentoring.

• Ex-Offender Rehabilitation: 6 men from HMP Prescoed were employed on-site, gaining construction experience and qualifications.

The initiative provided long-term employment opportunities, successfully reintegrating individuals into the workforce.

Client Feedback

The project achieved a 100% client satisfaction score, with the Health Board confirming they would work with Willmott Dixon again.

"The facility at Llandough is a major improvement in specialist rehabilitation services, offering a purpose-built environment that will transform patient care."

— Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Representative

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