Specialised Rehabilitation Centre

A state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility and spinal unit

Prioritising the patient experience

Bringing together three existing facilities, the Specialised Rehabilitation Centre located at Manukau Health Park will introduce a state-of-the-art facility for spinal, stroke, and general rehabilitation services, with the aim of instilling hope among recovering patients, encouraging independence, and enhancing wellbeing.

Placing the patient experience at the centre of the design, opportunities for rehabilitation have been integrated into every space within the building. The centre will include an inpatient 60-bed rehabilitation facility, as well as consultation and therapy spaces, and outpatient and ambulatory facilities.

Biophilic design principles have also been incorporated throughout the space, with a large, sheltered therapy garden offering views across the nearby Puhinui Stream and wetlands, and two internal lightwells drawing natural light into the building, helping to reduce stress, enhance wellbeing, and increase motivation among patients through connection to the natural environment.

The facility is also targeting 5 Green Stars for design from the New Zealand Green Building Council.

Improving physical and mental health outcomes

The top two floors of the three-storey, L‑shaped building will house inpatient bedrooms and living spaces with expansive views, offering sanctuary and protection.

The two internal lightwells will be located either side of a central gym, providing connection between the upper living spaces and the lower-level therapy spaces, to encourage mobility, participation, and connectedness.

Key to the patient recovery journey is whanau support and participation in the rehabilitation process, which has been factored into the design of the centre’s communal and private spaces.

The ground-floor will feature a welcoming entrance space for patients, whanau, and visitors, and the bedrooms will have sufficient space for visitors to accompany and support loved ones. These home-like settings will uplift patient wellbeing and support improved recovery outcomes.