Construction began on Shanghai's first brain hospital in Pudong over the weekend.

With total investment of 300 million yuan (US$37.04 million), Shanghai Blue Cross Brain Hospital will also be the city's largest private medical facility when it is completed in two years time.

The hospital will provide patients with high-end diagnosis and treatment for cerebral diseases, brain injuries, tumors and spine ailments, according to Chen Gongbai, chairman of Blue Cross Hospital Management and Investment Co.

"As a privately owned hospital, we will introduce a more flexible management system. Medical experts will be allowed to serve in other facilities or even open their own clinics while working at Blue Cross," Chen said. "That format is popular in the West, but complete new in the city."

In addition to the new brain hospital, Blue Cross Management and Investment Co also plans to set up the city's first rehabilitation center for people with brain diseases and bone injuries. Construction on that center is expected to begin in Pudong by year's end.

Currently, there are no professional medical rehabilitation facilities in the city, so most patients have to go back home after surgery.

"Due to a lack of proper nursing services and professional guidance, many patients have a slow recovery," said Dr Wang Guisong, a neurosurgeon at Renji Hospital.

(Shanghai Daily November 7, 2005)