One year on, Briar Centre is leading the way in brain injury rehabilitation

The Briar Centre, leading the way in brain injury rehabilitation, has marked its one-year milestone at Stonehouse Hospital in Lanarkshire. On average, 250 individuals in Lanarkshire sustain brain injuries every year requiring specialist rehabilitation. Previously, these patients were admitted to general wards in acute hospitals, but the establishment of the Briar Centre has revolutionised care with ten dedicated inpatient beds for assessment and rehabilitation of brain injury patients.

Lady Susan Haughey CBE, the Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, and Councillor Margaret Cooper, the Provost of South Lanarkshire Council, along with Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, recently visited the centre to meet staff and learn about the transformative work being carried out. In its short span, the Briar Centre has showcased excellence, receiving the Special Recognition Award at NHS Lanarkshire’s staff awards.

Jane-Marie Stobie, the allied health professional consultant for brain injury rehabilitation, highlighted the remarkable impact of the centre in just one year, assisting 40 patients on their recovery journey. The holistic approach to rehabilitation combines inpatient care, community support, and vocational rehabilitation tailored to individual needs. Patients have shown remarkable progress, with some regaining abilities to walk and reintegrate back into their daily lives.

Professor Sengupta praised the Briar Centre for its innovation and patient-centered care, setting new standards in brain injury rehabilitation. The facility’s success is attributed to the dedication and expertise of its staff, supported by positive feedback from patients and families. Lady Haughey and Provost Cooper lauded the centre for its groundbreaking work, highlighting the compassion and positive impact on patients and families.

The Briar Centre’s commitment to excellence and collaboration exemplifies a transformative approach to healthcare within Lanarkshire communities, offering hope and tangible progress to those undergoing rehabilitation. With its focus on innovation and compassion, the centre stands as a beacon of exemplary healthcare in the heart of Lanarkshire.