A specialist rehabilitation centre in Birmingham has completed a major refit following a fire that caused more than £250,000-worth of damage.

The West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre in Oak Tree Lane, Selly Oak, marked the completion of a lengthy refurbishment when BBC Midlands Today presenter Nick Owen cut the ribbon on a redesigned reception and waiting area, featuring new furniture and flooring and larger windows.

The blaze, caused by a faulty electrical appliance, broke out in August 2009 when the building was unoccupied. It took firefighters over two hours to bring the fire under control.

Associate director of rehabilitation services, Viv De La Fuente said: “The West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre has continued to deliver the same high quality service since the fire. This has been entirely due to the commitment and adaptability of all our staff and their resolve to ensure business as usual.

“Over 4,000 patients from across the West Midlands use the centre each year for a wide range of rehabilitation treatments and services, and we have involved patients and carers in the redesign of the reception area.”

West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre, part of Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust, helps people living with long-term clinical conditions manage their physical disabilities.

www.bhamcommunity.nhs.uk