The Oliver Zangwill Centre, known nationally for its work in delivering neuro-rehabilitation, is to close, it has been confirmed.
The announcement has been met with anger and devastation by charities and those the Cambridgeshire centre has supported over the years, with fears raised about what resources can fill the gap its closure will leave.
The Oliver Zangwill Centre has supported people aged 16 to 64 who have non-progressive brain injury and require cognitive rehabilitation since its opening in 1996, with patients coming from well beyond its Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG area.
In that area alone, around 4,000 people are admitted to hospital each year with an acquired brain injury (ABI) diagnosis, although Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG claims referrals to the centre have decreased in recent years.
In a consultation earlier in the year, involving charities including UKABIF and Headway – as well as local people, former patients, and those with professional and personal interest in neuro-rehab – many expressed their views as to why the Oliver Zangwill Centre is a ‘lifeline’ for so many and cannot be lost.
However, sadly its closure has now been confirmed, with a recommendation made for it to take effect from June 30.
The announcement has been met with frustration, particularly at a time when advances are being made on behalf of ABI survivors through the creation of the ABI Strategy.
Chloe Hayward, executive director of UKABIF, told NR Times that confirmation of the closure is “devastating”.
“There are so few of these specialist units, and the Oliver Zangwill Centre is right up there with the best of them. Many people will suffer as a consequence of its loss,” she said.
“Specialist neuro-rehab gives people the leg-up to get back to the best of their ability, and by removing this centre that chance is diminished.
“I worry that because decision making is going to be devolved, we will see more of this. When all decisions are taken on a regional basis, I fear that we will see more of this and the regions not providing what is needed. It’s a very big concern.
“While Chris Bryant and Gillian Keegan are spearheading national policy, we also need to consider what is happening regionally, and that must align for it to have the positive effect we need.”
Headway said it believes a key priority for the ABI Strategy should be the equitable access to specialist neurological rehabilitation and support services – a concept completely undermined by the decision to close the Oliver Zangwill Centre.
“At a time when the government is in the process of putting together a ground-breaking pan-departmental ABI Strategy to better support people living with an acquired brain injury, we should be looking at creating more of these centres of excellence, not closing them,” said chief executive Peter McCabe.
“Each year, around 350,000 people are admitted to UK hospitals with an acquired brain injury. For many patients, early access to specialist neurological rehabilitation will significantly increase their chances of making a meaningful recovery.
“And yet currently access to specialist care such as that provided by the respected Oliver Zangwill Centre varies significantly across the country.
“Rather than improve lives, ultimately the cost of this move will largely be paid by brain injury survivors and families unable to get the help and support they deserve and need.
“Whilst hugely disappointed, this strengthens our resolve to make sure the ABI Strategy is strong enough and robust enough, so that every survivor has the best chance at a meaningful and fulfilled life after brain injury.”
