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Following a serious road traffic accident, Louise Waller, from Waltham Abbey, Essex,  suffered multiple injuries, including a pneumothorax, severe pelvic fractures, which included a fractured acetabulum, while also suffering a fracture to the femur and fractures to both lower limbs – injuries that left her severely incapacitated. As part of Louise’s initial hospital treatment, the pneumothorax required a lobectomy, while the pelvic injuriesneeded multiple pins, with the tibia and fibula in both of Louise’s legs also requiring open reduction internal fixation. In addition to her physical injuries, Louise was also suffering from PTSD, which included extreme anxiety at the prospect of increased mobility.

Nearly 20,000 fully qualified staff will be joining the NHS response to the pandemic, helping manage the expected surge in cases. The extra resources now secured by the health service will not only be available to treat coronavirus patients, but will also help the NHS deliver other urgent operations and cancer treatments. The deal – the first of its kind ever – includes the provision of 8,000 hospital beds across England, nearly 1200 more ventilators, more than 10,000 nurses, over 700 doctors and over 8,000 other clinical staff. In London it includes over 2000 hospital beds, and over 250 operating theatres and critical beds.

In the UK, around 7 million people are living with cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is responsible for one in four deaths. People with CVD are up to five times more likely to have a stroke, are six times more likely to die compared to those without, and up to half of them suffer a second heart attack. There are currently no methods to predict the risk in this group of patients, so there is an urgent need for such tools to help assess the risk of future cardiovascular events and deaths in patients who already have CVD.

Dr. Huma Haider, founder and CEO of the National Brain Injury Institute, has launched a national campaign to have a Concussion Protocol Act passed for the everyday American. She said: “Traumatic brain injury [TBI] affects the lives of over 3 million patients and their families annually in the United States. “We are excited because for the last two years we have been pioneering the use of FDA Cleared imaging in the diagnosis of Mild TBI.” This is significant because most of the TBI patients in America have mild, rather than moderate or severe, TBI.

The Head First conference – this year entitled ‘WHOSE LIFE IS IT ANYWAY?  Supporting effective brain injury rehabilitation in the community – has been moved from spring to Thursday 26th November 2020. Organiser ABI Solutions said in a statement: “We felt that this was the right thing to do given the current situation and looking at how things have developed in other countries. “It is a fast moving situation and we are conscious that people are concerned about travelling and attending events. “In the near future it is likely that there will be travel restrictions and containment procedures in place so by being proactive and postponing the event now it gives attendees a bit more time to rearrange and hopefully limits any anxiety and stress our colleagues may be feeling.

Its Purée Petite range now features sausages which look freshly sizzled, chips and potatoes that are beautifully browned and grill steaks which appear lightly seared, all to enhance the aesthetics of its texture modified food selection. When it comes to first impressions, food presentation is of paramount importance to Wiltshire Farm Foods and creating dishes which allows its customers to dine with dignity, no matter their medical condition. Containing a similar calorie and protein content as Wiltshire Farm Foods’ Purée Classic dishes, its Purée Petite range provides a similar nutritional value for those with a smaller appetite.

Organisers of the European Neuro Convention, due to take place on 17^th and 18^th March at the NEC Birmingham, have put the event on hold. A new date will be announced on 16 March, with organisers reportedly considering July as the most suitable month. The independent living show Naidex, which runs at the same time as the Neuro Expo, also at the NEC, has also been postponed. Organisers said in a statement: “Like many large event organisers, the health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors and staff is always our number one priority. This is particularly pertinent in the care and health sector communities that Naidex brings together.

Having spent over 20 years as a physiotherapist, I remember the initial problems experienced by patients and healthcare professionals in ensuring an effective joined up approach to rehabilitation. This was especially noticeable as patients moved between stages of recovery in acute centres and then on to rehabilitation in the community.  This gave rise to the initial concept of the Rehabilitation Prescription (RP) a decade ago. Having since retrained as a serious injury lawyer, I see similar issues still affecting my clients today. The RP should set out exactly what treatment is required for an individual in the aftermath of a serious injury, a bespoke approach to each patient’s specific needs.

Blesma member Darren Fuller recently became the first veteran to receive a ‘Hero Arm’; the world's first clinically approved 3D-printed bionic arm. Designed by Open Bionics, the Hero Arm is a lightweight and affordable myoelectric prosthesis, with a wide range of grip styles. Its functions range from pinch grips to thumbs up and everything in between. It is available now in the USA, UK and France for below elbow amputee adults and children aged eight and above. Darren served with the Parachute Regiment for 20 years and was injured whilst serving in Afghanistan, causing him to lose his right arm below the elbow.

Every person has the right to lead an active, fulfilling, independent life; but the complex array of disabilities that affect one’s grip can severely challenge this right. Active Hands founder Rob Smith certainly discovered this to be the case, after a cliff fall left him partially paralysed in all four limbs. Frustrated at his inability to grip the various gym apparatus and weights, he set about creating a glove that could fasten his hands to whatever was needed; and so the General Purpose Gripping Aid was born! Fast forward to present day and The Active Hands Company now carefully designs and stocks a wide range of high-quality gripping aids that cater to anyone with reduced hand function and are perfect for use in rehabilitation, sporting and gym activities, home and hobbies, and so much more.