Stroke patients in Surrey are set to benefit as Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF)’s Neuro Rehabilitation Services division is set to work in partnership with East Surrey Clinical Commissioning Group to provide more inpatient rehabilitation closer to their homes.
This new partnership will see spaces at the QEF Neuro Rehabilitation Service (NRS) brain injury centre in Banstead dedicated to providing this much needed provision, which is aimed at helping people recover following a stroke by accessing QEF’s unique concentration of specialist therapies.
Previously stroke patients from Surrey had to travel to Crawley to access rehab services, but this change in provision will give these patients access to up to six weeks rehabilitation much closer to home, with greater access to social care support.
Having CCGs work with external providers such as QEF is part of the Surrey and Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust’s vision to deliver stroke rehabilitation services outside hospitals and closer to patients’ homes. This vision sets out a plan that also seeks to improve outcomes, support greater independence for patients, and reduce travel times.
QEF’s partnership with East Surrey CCG will help it to deliver these changes as well as improving the patient experience, increase personalised support and reducing the lengths of stays in hospital.
Janet Schmitt, QEF NRS’ registered service manager said: “We’re very pleased to be working in partnership with the East Surrey CCG to provide this essential service that supports early discharge for stroke patients. We focus on each individual person and develop a bespoke programme of rehabilitation to meet their specific needs.”
Patients receiving post-stroke rehabilitation at QEF NRS will benefit from personal therapy plans designed and delivered by highly experienced team of healthcare professionals. This includes specialists in neuro physiotherapy, clinical psychology and speech and language therapy. Additionally, the centre’s quiet location is easily accessible with excellent travel connections to Surrey.
QEF Neuro Rehabilitation Services is supported by the wider charity-funded services that Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People offers, including the QEF Mobility Centre which means that patients can benefit from quick access to mobility assessments for wheelchairs and accessible vehicles, to allow people with disabilities or impairments to learn – or relearn – to drive, including in specially modified vehicles.
