New U of A Hospital neurological rehab centre offers patients, staff better technology, more space

A new neuro rehabilitation centre is open in Edmonton, where patients can train their mind and body to work together after an injury.

A new hospital facility for neurologic patients is expected to give earlier access to the latest treatment methods and state-of-the-art technology while allowing clinicians and researchers to collaborate while solving problems.

The Neuro-Rehabilitation Innovation Centre at the University of Alberta Hospital works with patients who have suffered neurological illness. The rehab focuses on retraining the brain and body to work together after an injury.

The $2.7-million centre uses 200 square metres on the fifth floor of the teaching hospital for research and rehab. It includes a neuro-rehabilitation gymnasium, research-treatment spaces and an electrophysiology research suite.

Patients receive treatment under the observation of researchers, offering the researchers a close view of a patient’s challenges.

Dr. Chester Ho, who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, told media on Thursday that while the hospital had the staff in place for neurological rehabilitation, they lacked the space and up-to-date equipment before the new centre opened.

“Now that they have the space, the equipment and technologies to do so, we’re able to make the progress better in the therapy treatments,” said Ho, also a professor and the Spinal Injury Research Chair at the university.

Ho said that performing rehabilitation on patients early can make a big difference in their long-term recovery.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Darcy Seaton