Home comforts could have a huge impact on the recovery of patients with serious head injuries and progressive neurological conditions, thanks to a bumper £25,000 donation by Neurocare.
Calming colours, soft lighting, cooling fans and consistent flooring are amongst the enhancements to be paid for at the city’s Sheffield Community Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team (SCBIRT) in Upperthorpe.
Specialists there believe the charity funded refurbishment of the Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust (SHSC) run facility will boost care by removing some simple furnishing triggers which are now known to complicate the lives of neurological patients.
Helen Currie, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist, at SHSC has been actively involved in the development of the project. Helen said: “The Sheffield Community Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team help people to achieve their aims in life and to lead a life that is as full and independent as possible. We work with individuals and their families to achieve their goals to improve their quality of life.”
“This is with people who are re-establishing themselves back into their community after a brain injury or minor head injury, and have identified areas in their life that they wish to improve.
“We provide an extremely valuable service; but some areas of the facility which is largely clinical would welcome improvement. A comfortable and homely environment with minimal distraction will inspire wellbeing, steps forward in rehabilitation and a positive outlook.
“We can’t thank Neurocare enough for their donation. The therapists are so passionate and committed to working with clients and their families who live with the terrible consequence of a long term neurological condition. It is important to us that the environment will be improved to meet their needs during their time with us. These changes will breathe new life into the building.”
The Sheffield Community Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team, based on Albert Terrace Road in Sheffield, is a purpose built single storey rehabilitation facility which has been open since 1974. All adults over the age of 16 who have sustained a traumatic or acquired brain injury and wish to improve their quality of life can be referred.
Following care and medical treatment at the Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Trust or many years following the onset of the head or brain injury, patients who could benefit from the service are referred to the Centre for assessment and rehabilitation.
Beverley Webster OBE, Chair of Neurocare Advisory Board, said “We’re really pleased to be able to fund these enhancements, which will make a huge impact on the recovery of patients with serious head injuries.
“The only reason we’ve been able to pay for the refurbishment is through the generosity of the public and our corporate supporters, providing further evidence of the lifesaving and life improving work Neurocare can deliver thanks to our brilliant fundraisers.”
To donate visit www.neurocare.org.uk/donate.
