Rainbow Foundation Proposes Community-Led Future for Penley Hospital
“No one wants to see the former Penley Hospital site derelict,” says Caroline Tudor-James, CEO of the Rainbow Foundation. “Especially when there is a clear need for rehabilitative services closer to home. With everyone tightening their belts, whatever comes next needs to respond to local needs and offer better value for money—which is why we are presenting our offer to the health board.”
‘The Rainbow Foundation is proposing a bold and compassionate vision for the future of Penley Hospital: transforming the existing 8-bed facility into a 12-bed step-down and rehabilitation unit, physically integrated with the adjacent Rainbow Centre. The Centre already houses a catering kitchen, physiotherapy space, and award-winning community services. This integrated model would:
- Support patients to regain independence after a hospital stay before returning home.
- Provide daily rehabilitation, nutritious meals, and vital social connection.
- Reduce re-admissions and pressure on acute beds at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and deliver better value for money than previous health board-led models.
The proposal builds on Rainbow’s acclaimed Active Futures programme, which is already reversing frailty and reducing hospital admissions due to falls. By combining resources and expertise, the Foundation believes more patients can be supported with greater efficiency and impact.
Rebecca Griffiths, Polish Heritage Project Manager, reflects on the site’s legacy:
“Penley Hospital has a unique and proud history. Originally established to care for Polish ex-servicemen and their families after World War II, it stood as a symbol of international solidarity and community care. While that chapter has closed, the site deserves a new purpose, one that honours its past while meeting today’s needs.”
She adds: “Unlike larger community hospitals, Penley never offered on-site rehabilitation or broader clinical services, limiting its potential to support recovery and independence.”
The Rainbow Foundation, which began its work in a disused ward of the hospital and now operates from the neighbouring Rainbow Centre, is uniquely placed to deliver this next chapter.
Paul Whittaker CBE, Trustee of the Rainbow Foundation, shares his reflections: “The original purpose behind the Polish Hospital can no longer be achieved, and it is currently too small to be viable as a stand-alone unit. The current consultation presents a unique opportunity for the Rainbow Foundation to demonstrate how the former hospital could be revitalised and combined with existing Rainbow facilities to create a truly community-based centre. This is the most logical option for retaining the hospital as an operational unit, recognising its heritage and importance to the local community. To permanently close the hospital when such a viable alternative exists would reject its legacy and deny a rural, ageing population a much-needed resource.”
The proposal has received strong support from local healthcare professionals including BCUHB’s Directors, and wider stakeholders who recognise the urgent need for intermediate care services in the area.
Dr Bowdler of Overton Surgery commented: “The provision of a step-down and rehab facility in this area would be of great benefit for our frail elderly population. It would reduce their time spent on a busy medical ward and enable them to recover in a much more comfortable and peaceful setting. It would also be substantially easier for relatives to visit. The range of skills and services offered by the Rainbow Centre would be a perfect combination.”
Rainbow’s proposal has also attracted cross-party political support from Senedd Members representing the Conservatives, Labour, and Plaid Cymru—reflecting a broad consensus on the importance of preserving and repurposing the hospital. The model has also been endorsed by MP Andrew Ranger, who has visited the site and expressed full support.
The Rainbow Foundation is now urging residents to take part in the BCUHB consultation survey and share their views on the future of Penley Hospital.
“This is a chance to shape a service that reflects the values and needs of our community,” says Caroline, “Together, we can honour the hospital’s heritage while building a future that works for everyone.”
The link to the BCUHB survey can be found at:
Shaping the Future of Penley Hospital – Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/get-involved/shaping-the-future-of-penley-hospital/