Rehab service saved from closure

Last year the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) planned to close the service - which has been helping residents put their lives back together after brain injuries since 1998 - to save money. 

The ICB, which was commended this week by NHS England for demonstrating ‘commendable financial leadership’, reversed its decision after a wave of protests from the CSP, clients and local community groups. 

Specialist provider Shaftesbury Icanho, has been told it can continue its satellite service until the end of the year.

During that time, the ICB will undertake a wider consultation involving the CSP, patient representative groups and other interested stakeholders.

CSP assistant director Sara Hazzard called the original decision to close the service ‘deeply troubling’, adding that:

Person-centred rehabilitation following a stroke or brain injury is not a nice-to-have – it’s the key to enabling people to live again.

She expressed delight that residents would continue to benefit from the highly specialist multi-disciplinary approach to treating complex neuro rehabilitation cases. 

But warned the decision should be upheld once the current review is over. ‘Despite government plans to develop a neighbourhood health service, it is always these vital community services that are cut when finances are squeezed.

‘This is devastating for the individuals for whom they are a lifeline at a time when they need it most. 

‘Rehab services help people recover better and stay out of hospital where they can, reducing ambulance queues, waiting times, and harmful long stays.

‘Services like this need to be respected, resourced, and retained for the value they provide for individuals and the NHS as a whole.’

Sara thanked the CSP regional team who were quick to offer Waveney members support and resources to influence the decision making and make the case for rehab.