Six adapted cycles and a specialist British Cycling coach are to support patients at the new NHS National Rehabilitation Centre in Rushcliffe.
Cycle manufacturer ICE Trikes has donated three handcycles and three adaptive trikes for patients receiving treatment at the 70-bed centre on the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate.
A newly created British Cycling Rehabilitation Coach will also be based at the NRC and work alongside clinical teams to incorporate cycling into individual rehabilitation programmes. Recruitment is expected to begin shortly.
The post will be funded by the Peter Harrison Foundation with support from Nottingham Hospitals Charity.
Patients will be able to use the cycles across the 365-acre estate, including on a purpose-built accessible track running through woodland at the site.
Cycling will form part of tailored programmes for people recovering from life-changing illnesses and injuries. Patient stays at the specialist centre are expected to range from around two weeks to three months.
The scheme is intended to improve patients’ strength, mobility and general wellbeing while introducing them to an activity they may be able to continue after leaving the NRC.
British Cycling plans to connect patients with suitable clubs and participation programmes in their local communities. The organisations involved also hope that patients showing potential could eventually follow pathways into competitive cycling or para-cycling.
The NRC will be run and staffed by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and is located alongside the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre. The two centres will share some specialist facilities and expertise.
Sandy Walsh, NRC head of operations, said accessible cycling could help patients experience “freedom, confidence and enjoyment” while rebuilding physically and emotionally.
She said: “The handcycles and trikes will play a vital role in supporting rehabilitation, helping patients to improve strength, mobility and wellbeing in a way that feels motivating and empowering.
“Just as importantly, this collaboration opens the door to life beyond the NRC, enabling people to discover a sport they can continue in their own communities and, in some cases, even pursue competitively.”
Amy Gardner, sport and participation director at British Cycling, said the coach would be embedded within the centre’s multidisciplinary team.
She said: “Our coach will work alongside clinicians and medical professionals to ensure cycling is incorporated into personalised rehabilitation plans.
“Through British Cycling’s national network of clubs, Limitless and our participation programmes, we will create supported pathways that help individuals transition from clinical rehabilitation into regular community cycling.”
Adrian Davies, managing director of ICE Trikes, said the equipment would offer patients a safe and accessible way to exercise at their own pace.
Nigel Gregory, chief executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said the coach and adapted equipment would help patients build their ability and confidence during their time at the centre.
The £105 million NRC was approved by the Government in 2023 as part of the New Hospital Programme. Its planned opening has previously been delayed while work was carried out to bring the building’s water system up to the required safety standards.
