The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease has moved one step closer to opening as the final plans have been submitted for approval.
He might be a Leeds Rhinos legend but Rob Burrow’s name will now forever be associated with helping others thanks to the construction of The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease. Final plans for the new centre, which will be based at Seacroft Hospital, have been submitted to Leeds City Council by architects Corstorphine & Wright, ahead of a contractor being appointed and work beginning.
The need for a new centre has been clear for a while. The current home of the Leeds Motor Neurone Disease Care Centre was built in the early 20th century, focusing initially on infectious diseases, and is now showing its age. Coupled with the technological advancement of MND treatment and the need for a single-purpose ward with its own facilities and spaces, the time couldn’t be better for The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease to become a reality.
Credit: Corstorphine & Wright
Corstorphone & Wright have led extensive engagement sessions with stakeholders including patients, staff, the wider MND community and the Burrow family, to create a complex that meets the needs and vision of all those involved. The centre is being funded through an extensive fundraising campaign by Leeds Hospitals Charity, who have announced the current total stands at £5.4 million of a £6.8 million target, with more fundraising events and efforts to come.
“This is an important milestone in our journey to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease here in Leeds,” CEO of Leeds Hospitals Charity, Esther Wakeman, explained. “I have met with many patients and their families, including Rob, who have helped us share the importance of this new centre. Thank you to everyone who has fundraised, we’re almost at the finish line, with £1.5million left to reach our fundraising target. I hope these designs and plans show our supporters how their donation will be spent to make a real difference.”
Credit: Corstorphine & Wright
It will be a night and day difference for patients and staff who will use the centre. It’s made up of three areas – an East Wing, a West Wing and a central atrium which will connect the two. The two wings will house a series of clinical spaces, while the atrium will be more community-focused. There will be areas for reading and reflection, alongside activity spaces and a dining area, which will allow staff to observe patients in a more relaxed setting.
It’s not just the patients who are front and centre – the staff are too. It’s clear that looking after people with challenging conditions can have an impact on clinical staff, and so, The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease will cater for that. The first floor is being dedicated to creating a wellbeing space for workers, to provide them with a place to unwind away from their day-to-day clinical areas.
Credit: Corstorphine & Wright
As much as it will be functional, the centre will also be easy on the eye. Inspired by local ‘Leeds look’ architecture, the building will be built using red brick tiles and have a series of gabled roofs. Alongside existing mature trees, there will also be landscaped gardens for patients to engage with and access routes through these zones, while also offering a space for therapy activities and the creation of a memorial wall.
The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease is just the latest landmark for the Pontefract-born former Leeds Rhinos scrum-half. Since he was diagnosed with MND in 2019, he has taken part in an incredible campaign of raising awareness and funds alongside family members and former teammates, none more so than close friend and ex-Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield. This would be one of the finest achievements of an incredible life.
The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease will open at Seacroft Hospital in the next few years.
Cover image credit: Corstorphine & Wright.
