‘If we’d stopped and thought about the scale of the task, we’d have fallen over…but we did it’
The Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre Lancashire opened, after years in the planning, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Centre director Terry Mears and neuro rehab lead Hannah Halliwell share their experience of such a difficult, yet rewarding, time.
Opening a new specialist neurological care and rehab centre is a seismic task in any climate - but to do so at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic is probably a feat few would attempt. But having been badly wanted and needed in its area for over 15 years, and after an 18-month construction and development project, the Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre Lancashire opened its doors to patients in April.
Stroke patients supported virtually by student physios
Students have been supporting stroke patients in their recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic through supporting them with physiotherapy sessions online.
With significant pressure on NHS resources during the peak of the pandemic, many non-urgent appointments were cancelled, which meant many patients going without consultation for many months. Research has predicted that withdrawing or offering only skeleton cardiac rehab services is likely to lead to a 30 per cent rise in unplanned hospital admissions, which can impact on quality of life and mental health.
Profile boost for case management research
The importance of research in case management is being promoted with the launch of a new initiative.
The Journal Club, launched by CMSUK, is encouraging case managers to engage with research as a way to increase their depth of knowledge, helping to develop their specialism and expertise further still. Case managers will be encouraged to read research papers and other evidence in key areas of work, with The Journal Club providing a forum for discussion and analysis, as well as support in analysing and interpreting documents. The Journal Club, set to be launched next month, is a first-of-its-kind initiative, which builds on CMSUK’s commitment to supporting research.
Providing vital support to people like Jimmy
NeuroActiveUK was established after the lack of specialist support became [...]
Researchers advance understanding of changes caused by neurological conditions
Researchers have made advances in studying how the brain re-wires itself in neurological disease, which could yield breakthroughs in rehabilitation and therapy as a result.
Previously, scientific knowledge has revealed that the polio virus affects the spinal cord, but not the brain. However, a team from Trinity College Dublin has now discovered previously unknown changes also occurring in the brain networks. The findings suggest, say the team, that brain networks engage in an abnormal but active communication with muscles in patient groups studied.
Neurophysios blending in-person and telerehab
Neurophysiotherapists are adopting a ‘blended approach’ in delivering rehab to their patients, incorporating both in-person therapy and telerehab, as they plan for the future of the profession post-pandemic.
Telerehab has grown hugely in its use since March, with therapy and consultations being delivered remotely due to the restrictions around social distancing and the shielding of many vulnerable people.
However, while physio practices and clinics have now re-opened and have resumed seeing patients in-person, many have realised the benefits of combining face-to-face contact with telerehab and plan to continue to use both into the future.
Having been an early adopter of telerehab, with its introduction being made years before the pandemic hit, PhysioFunction plans to continue its use alongside clinic-based appointments.
The business has built on its existing telerehab provision to add online therapy groups and classes to its offering, as well as expanding the remote technology service, all of which can be combined with in-person therapy to increase a patient’s rehabilitation opportunities.
“The blended approach works really well for many clients, but particularly those who are more vulnerable,” says Claire Everett, clinical operations manager at PhysioFunction and a senior neurological physiotherapist.
‘It’s my wife who had the stroke – do I have a right to feel I’m suffering?’
When James’ wife suffered a stroke, both of their lives changed as a result. Here, he talks openly about how the ongoing impact of her illness affects them both, and how he in particular struggles to cope.
It’s been two years now since my wife had a stroke. She has done so well in getting some of her old self back, but in truth I think it’s me who continues to struggle the most. We’re a couple in our early 40s who have always loved to travel, enjoy the outdoors, eat out in nice restaurants, and just enjoy our lives. We’ve been together since we were teenagers, and while we haven’t been blessed with children, our adventures have always ensured we had plenty to keep us occupied.
Magnetic sensor could detect early signs of TBI
Signs of traumatic brain injury, dementia and schizophrenia could be detected at an earlier stage as a result of the development of a new sensor which measures weak magnetic signals in the brain.
Through the development of the new Optically Pumped Magnetometer (OPM) sensor, scientists are hopeful of enabling a greater understanding of connectivity in the brain, which could have significant benefits in the chances of early diagnosis.
