The Briar Centre, an award-winning state-of-the-art facility for brain injury rehabilitation has celebrated its one-year anniversary.
In Lanarkshire, an average of 250 people a year sustain a brain injury severe enough to require specialist rehabilitation.
Before the centre opened within Stonehouse Hospital, all those with a brain injury requiring hospitalisation were admitted to a general ward within our acute hospitals. The establishment of the Briar Centre has enhanced community-based care by offering ten inpatient beds dedicated to the assessment and rehabilitation of people with brain injuries.
Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Lady Susan Haughey CBE and the Provost of South Lanarkshire Council, Councillor Margaret Cooper, joined Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership to meet with staff and hear about the ‘life-changing work’ that is carried out.
The Briar Centre has quickly established itself as a leader in its field. Last month, it was honoured with the Special Recognition Award at NHS Lanarkshire’s staff awards.
Reflecting on the milestone, Jane-Marie Stobie, allied health professional consultant for brain injury rehabilitation, said: “We are dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by brain injuries and, in just 12 months, we have already helped changes the lives of 40 patients.
“Our holistic approach to rehabilitation brings together inpatient care, community support and vocational rehabilitation, ensuring patients care tailored to their very particular needs throughout their entire recovery journey.
“Thanks to the expertise and commitment of our multi-disciplinary team, we have experienced remarkable recoveries. We have worked with patients who were unable to stand when they came in – and then literally walk out the door and back into their homes, their workplaces and their communities.
“Our work benefits from the crucial role that families play in their loved one’s recovery. We also recognise the importance of families being supported through what is a challenging time for them, and so the centre also offers resources to better help them.”
Professor Sengupta added: “The Briar Centre stands at the forefront of innovation, setting new national standards in brain injury rehabilitation. It leads the way in shaping the future and its commitment to patient-centred care have significantly enhanced the services we offer to patients and their families across Lanarkshire.
“Our inpatient and community brain injury rehabilitation service is a further example of our commitment to providing increasingly sophisticated care within our communities for our communities.
“As important at the facility itself is, this is only possible because of the professionalism, compassion and enthusiasm of our staff. The response of patients and families has been overwhelming, and my thanks to them for their engagement, their feedback and their support.”
Lady Haughey said: “I was delighted to be able to meet the team and witness the ground-breaking work being delivered at the Briar Centre.
“This is an outstanding example of how modern healthcare can adapt to meet the complex needs of patients and their families. The level of expertise, combined with the compassionate, person-centred approach of the staff, is truly commendable. It’s clear that this facility is making a real difference, offering hope and tangible progress to those on their rehabilitation journey.”
Provost Cooper added: “It was truly inspiring to see the life-changing work being carried out at the Briar Centre. The dedication and compassion of the team are evident in every aspect of their approach, and the positive impact on patients and their families is remarkable. This facility is a shining example of how innovation and collaboration can transform healthcare in our communities and the excellence being delivered within the heart of Lanarkshire.”