Defence rehabilitation services are to be given a £300 million upgrade in a move that will see the world-class medical services currently delivered at Headley Court move to a new purpose-built location at Stanford Hall, near Loughborough. The new Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC) will open its doors at the end of 2017.

The new facility will increase the size and scope of defence rehabilitation so that injured members of the Armed Forces can be properly cared for. It will also bolster the hub of medical expertise in the Midlands, including the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, the Headquarters of the Defence Medical Services and the Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “It is absolutely right that we provide the best medical care possible for any of our troops that are injured while serving our country and keeping us safe. I have seen first hand the incredible job the team at Headley Court does in supporting rehabilitation and the new Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre will build on that. We will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of advances in medical rehabilitation with what will be an unparalleled centre of excellence in the Midlands.”

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond added: “This announcement will establish a long-term, state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility for our injured personnel, building on the great work of Headley Court, to ensure our Armed Forces continue to receive the very best care. The support of the Duke of Westminster, Help For Heroes and other benefactors has been critical in securing this world-class facility for those who have sacrificed so much on behalf of the nation.”